Hosts Manipur emerge overall champions as North East Regional Sports Week concludes

Imphal, May 4 (DIPR)
The 6-day long North East Regional Sports Week organised by the Youth Affairs and Sports Department, Government of Manipur with the funding of the North Eastern Council (NEC) concluded yesterday at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal.
The closing function of the sports week held from April 28 in connection with the celebration of the 75 years of Indian Independence, “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” was graced by the Governor of Manipur La Ganesan as chief guest.
The sporting event witnessed athletes from seven North East States including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura and the hosts Manipur competing in five sports disciplines viz- Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Football and Table-Tennis.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor La Ganesan expressed his appreciation to the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports for successfully conducting the event.
He encouraged sportsper-sons to have discipline to become a successful and bring laurels to the country.
In the regional sporting event, Manipur racked up a total of 49 medals including 32 gold, 11 silver and 7 bronze to clinch overall team champions title as Assam (9 Gold, 12 Silver and 21 Bronze) and Nagaland (4 Gold, 4 Silver and 12 Bronze) finished first and second runners up teams.
The event also saw Mizoram bag 15 medals (1 Gold, 8 Silver and 6 Bronze); Sikkim bag 10 medals (1 Gold, 1 Silver and 8 Bronze) and Tripura bag three medals (1 Silver and 2 Bronze).
Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who presided over the closing function, extended his gratitude to the Governor of Manipur La Ganesan for visiting hills and valley areas of the State and addressing the concerns of the people.
“With the celebration of the 75 years of India’s Independence in different parts of the Northeast States, the whole of the North East became united under one roof. India has now become a more advanced and powerful Nation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modiji. And we all should live and die for a united India,” the Chief Minister added.
Addressing the gathering, Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated that it was a proud moment for the State to have hosted the event during which joy, happiness and disappointment were witnessed.
“North East Regional Sports Week is a testimony of our capability to move mountain in the field of sports”, he said and thanked the players and officials who had participated in the array of sporting disciplines showcasing their sports talent and spirit
Union Minister of State Ajay Kumar Mishra, who attended the function as guest of honour, also addressed the closing event. YAS Commissioner, Bobby Waikhom; YAS Director, T Phullen Meitei; officials of YAS Department, sportspersons, coaches and other officials attended the opening ceremony among others.