State celebrates Shannaroishingee Numit

IMPHAL, Feb 25 (DIPR)
Manipur on Thursday celebrated Shannaroishingee Numit (Players’ Day) commemorating the State’s historic win of the Raja Bhalendra Singh Trophy on emerging the overall team champions in the 5th National Games held in the State in 1999.
The State-level function was held at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex with Chief Minister N Biren Singh as the chief guest and Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Minister Letpao Haokip as the functional president. Commissioner (YAS) Bobby Waikhom was also seated on the dais as the guest of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister N Biren stressed on the importance of sports and playgrounds in moulding budding young players and promoting them up to the international level. He observed that community halls shouldn’t be constructed on playgrounds.
Stating that Manipur is known to the world because of its sporting talents, he said that sports associations and clubs have been taking pivotal roles in producing good sportspersons. The Chief Minister said that the State Government already has a policy to provide monetary assistance to the clubs which produce National and international players. He also informed that Rs 50 lakh each had been handed over to NEROCA-FC and TRAU-FC which are currently playing in the I-League. The same amount would be given to the girls’ team KRYPHSA-FC as well, he added.
N Biren also said that the Government is currently putting in efforts in mission mode to promote Thang-Ta. He informed that 3,000 mats have been procured for distribution to various Thang-Ta organizations.
Stating that the State Government has been working hard towards development of sports, he said that Khuman Lampak Main Stadium and Hockey Stadium now have flood lighting systems. All the districts would have hockey astro-turfs apart from developing playgrounds in different villages under the Khelo India scheme. In addition to the existing 5 per cent reservation in Government employment, prize money for medal winners in Olympics and International championships has also been hiked. He said Manipur has so far produced 17 Olympians, 19 Arjuna awardees, 26 Asian Games medallists and 30 Commonwealth Games medallists. Moreover, Manipur is the most represented State in the Indian Super League with 43 players, he added.
In his speech, Letpao Haokip said that the Government is considering including sports related classes in school curriculum\syllabus. He also thanked the sports bodies for bringing the youth to the right path and contributing their might in building a healthy society. The Minister said, it is heartening to see that veterans and retired sports persons usually extend full co-operation every time the Government organizes any sports related programme. This spirit should sustain for the development of sports culture in the State, he observed.
As part of the observance, Chief Minister N Biren also flagged off a mass run. He also gave away prizes to the maintenance team of Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in recognition of their hard work.