YAS Minister inaugurates 1st Bishnupur District Olympic Games, 2026

DIO
BISHNUPUR, Jul 8 : Minister for Home and Youth Affairs & Sports, Govindas Konthoujam today inaugurated the 1st Bishnupur District Olympic Games, 2026 under the theme “One District, One Spirit, Khello Bishnupur” at the DSA Ground, Bishnupur.
The inaugural programme commenced with a torch rally followed by the ceremonial lighting of the Olympic flame, symbolising unity, hope and the spirit of sportsmanship. The Olympic flame was lit by Naorem Roshibina Devi, Asian Games Medallist and Arjuna Awardee; Laisharam Monika Devi, Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist; and Indian Super League players from the district—Moirangthem Thoiba Singh, Moirangthem Givson Singh, Moirangthem Dhiraj Singh and Kumam Udanta Singh.
As chief guest, Govindas Konthoujam hoisted the games flag, and took the salute from the 16 participating contingents representing Athletics, Table Tennis, Badminton, Boxing, Wushu, Football, Wrestling, Kabaddi, Jeet Kune Do, Kho Kho, Weightlifting, Rowing, Canoeing & Kayaking, Volleyball, Gymnastics and Sepak Takraw.
Delivering the welcome address, Pooja Elangbam, Deputy Commissioner, Bishnupur and chairman of the 1st Bishnupur District Olympic Games, 2026, expressed her gratitude to YAS Minister Govindas Konthoujam for his unwavering encouragement and support, which had been instrumental in making the event a reality. She also conveyed her appreciation to the MLAs of the six Assembly Constituencies of the district—Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh, Irengbam Nalini Devi, Thongam Shanti Singh, Tongbram Robindro Singh and Sanasam Premchand Singh—as well as the District Level Officers, security forces including the CRPF, and the Bishnupur District Olympic Association for their collective efforts in successfully organising the Games.
Addressing the gathering, Govindas Konthoujam thanked all the stakeholders for their support in bringing the vision of the district’s first Olympic Games to life. He remarked that the games, which will continue until July 12, provide a meaningful platform to channel the energy of young people towards discipline, excellence and positive development.
Highlighting Manipur’s rich sporting legacy, the Minister said the State has produced 19 Olympians along with numerous medal winners at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, earning the distinction of being the sporting powerhouse of the country.
Referring to India’s aspirations of hosting the Youth Olympic Games and the Olympic Games in coming years, the Minister stated that district-level sporting events such as these are crucial in identifying promising talent from every corner of the state and nurturing them for National and international competitions.
He further observed that sports transcend barriers of race, caste, creed and religion, bringing people together through the values of unity, mutual respect and healthy competition.
Sport, he said, has the power to bridge differences, foster harmony and contribute significantly to building a stronger and more inclusive society.
The inaugural ceremony featured colourful cultural performances, including Thougal Jagoi, Pung Cholom and Dhol Dholok by cultural artistes, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Manipur. The opening day of the games also witnessed an exciting football match.
Among those present were MLAs Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh, Irengbam Nalini Devi and Thongam Shanti Singh; Brigadier, 59 Mountain Brigade, TAC Headquarters, Loukoipat; Superintendent of Police, Bishnupur; Commanding Officer, 2nd IRB, Naranseina; Commanding Officer, Detachment 8 CRPF; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bishnupur Toijam Opendro; Divisional Forest Officer, Bishnupur; Sub- Divisional Officers; District Level Officers; and N Mangi Singh, president, Bishnupur District Olympic Association.