Players' Day: State to get a Sports Science Centre soon

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 25 : Khuman Lampak may soon have a Sports Science Centre which will significantly boost Manipur's sporting potential, Cabinet Minister Govindas Konthoujam said, as the State celebrated Players' Day today.
"Shannaroishinggi Nu-mit" or "Players' Day " is observed every year to commemorate Manipur emer- ging as the champions and winning the Raja Bhalindra Trophy in the 1999 National Games.
Manipur hosted the 5th National Games.
The Players' Day at Indoor Stadium, Khuman Lampak today saw a Players' Run which was participated by children, adults and renowned players.
Olympians including Ksh Thoiba (Hockey) and weightlifter Padma Shri N Kunjarani, Manipur Olympic Association president Sunil Elangbam, YAS Secretary Naorem Praveen, YAS Director Mayengbam Veto among others attended the observance.
Speaking at the observance as the chief guest, Govindas Konthoujam said the Government under Y Khemchand is committed to improving the State's infrastructure.
While steps are being taken up to establish a Sports Science Centre, a proposal has also been sent to the DoNER Ministry to integrate and improve Sports digital infrastructure, he said.
Govindas said promoting sports and culture would help integrate people and foster peaceful coexistence.
He recalled that Manipur emerged the champions of the 5th National Games and won the Raja Bhalindra Trophy in 1999.
Manipur is still the powerhouse of sports and has so far produced 19 Olympians, he said.
He said the National Sports University was established in Manipur under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to further promote sports.
He said a Khelo India Centre has been opened in Manipur, and under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, sincere efforts are being put in to improve the sporting landscape.
Along with Manipur, other North East States including Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh have made steadfast progress in developing and unlocking sporting potential, he said.
He wished the State players success in the next National Games and all upcoming National  and international competitions.
Speaking at the event about the Sports Department's initiatives, Youth Affairs and Sports Secretary Naorem Praveen said the State will soon have an action plan and sports policy of its own.
To further develop sports and improve infrastructure, an action plan is being prepared. Further, an experts committee and a drafting committee will be formed to prepare a sports policy for Manipur within 2-3 months, Praveen said.
Listing many projects in the pipeline, Praveen said the Prime Minister had recently laid the foundation for constructing a Rs 38 crore multipurpose indoor stadium at the empty plot between the Cycle Velodrome and the existing Indoor stadium.
The construction of the multipurpose indoor stadium will begin soon, he added.
Further, Kangpokpi, Tamenglong and Kakching districts will soon have district sports complexes, he said.
He said the proposed Sports Science Centre at Khuman Lampak will be taken up under a PPP model, and coaches of different disciplines will be engaged to train Manipur players.
Sports organisations and local clubs play vital roles in shaping Manipur's sports landscape, Praveen said, adding the Sports Department is mulling to give them incentives to further encourage them to produce more sporting talents.
Praveen said the National Sports Policy 2025 is promoting sports as a public good and a fundamental, everyday activity for all citizens.
Sports is being included in school syllabus, and integrated as an integral part of co-curricular activities, he added.
Winners of the player run and sports personalities who won medals in different sporting events last year were feted at the observance.
Olympians, winners of Commonwealth Games, National and international sports competitions were also felicitated with commendation certificates and mementos.
Sports journalists of different media firms were also feted at the event.