The Department of Youth Affairs & Sports (YAS), Government of Manipur, highlighted the State’s sporting legacy, recent achievements and potential for sports investment and tourism during the 14th edition of the “Meet the Press” programme organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) at its auditorium.
Dr. Mayengbam Veto Singh, MCS, Director (YAS), said Manipur has made a longstanding contribution to Indian sports, with athletes from the State representing the country at international competitions.
According to the department, Manipur has produced 19 Olympians, including three Olympic medallists, 26 Asian Games medallists and 36 Commonwealth Games medallists, apart from several recipients of prestigious National Sports Awards.
Highlighting the State’s sporting ecosystem, Dr. Veto said more than 40 sports disciplines are widely practised among youths through schools, clubs and local tournaments. He identified football, boxing, weightlifting, hockey, athletics, judo, wushu, fencing, badminton, cycling, gymnastics, archery and wrestling among the high-potential sports in the State.
He also highlighted Manipur’s indigenous sporting traditions, including Sagol Kangjei (Polo), Mukna, Thang-Ta, Yubi Lakpi, Khong Kangjei and Hiyang Tannaba, as an important part of the State’s cultural and sporting heritage.
Referring to recent performances at events such as the 38th National Games, Khelo India Youth Games, National School Games and Khelo India Beach Games, the YAS Director outlined opportunities for further development in sports infrastructure, sports science, nutrition, performance analytics, public-private partnerships and sports tourism.
At the same time, he identified infrastructure gaps, funding constraints, connectivity issues in hill districts and the need for greater preservation and promotion of indigenous sports as key challenges.
Dr. Veto said the department has developed a roadmap for sports and youth development with the vision of creating a healthier, stronger and more united Manipur where young people have opportunities to participate and excel in sports.
Under “Vision 2030: Manipur as Sports Capital,” he invited investors, developers and other stakeholders to collaborate in developing the State as a destination for sports, tourism and sporting excellence, citing its diverse terrain, sporting culture and strategic location in Northeast India.
Senior FO M. Nabakumar Singh, Deputy Director Th. Mangichan Singh, Assistant Director T. Dushanta Singh and Olympian K. Chinglensana were also present at the programme.
