Imphal: Manipur’s rich sporting heritage, achievements and potential for sports investment and tourism were highlighted at the 14th session of the “Meet the Press” organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Manipur, at its auditorium on Friday.
Dr Mayengbam Veto Singh, MCS, Director of Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS), Manipur, highlighted the state’s longstanding contribution to Indian sports, noting that athletes from Manipur have represented the country at international events.
He said Manipur has produced 19 Olympians, including three Olympic medallists, 26 Asian Games medallists and 36 Commonwealth Games medallists, besides several recipients of prestigious National Sports Awards.
Highlighting the state’s sporting ecosystem, Veto said Manipur has an active network of coaching centres, academies and competitive tournaments. More than 40 sports disciplines are practised by young people through schools, clubs and local tournaments.
He said athletes from Manipur are known for their discipline, speed, fitness and technical skills and have made significant contributions to Indian sports at the national and international levels.
Football, boxing, weightlifting, hockey, athletics, judo, wushu, fencing, badminton, cycling, gymnastics, archery and wrestling were identified as among the high-potential sports in the state. However, he acknowledged infrastructure gaps, particularly in the remote hill districts.
The director also highlighted indigenous sporting traditions, including Sagol Kangjei (polo), Mukna, Thang-Ta, Yubi Lakpi, Khong Kangjei and Hiyang Tannaba, as an important part of Manipur’s cultural and sporting heritage.
Referring to the state’s recent performances at major sporting events, including the 38th National Games, Khelo India Youth Games, National School Games and Khelo India Beach Games, Veto highlighted opportunities for further development in sports infrastructure, sports science, nutrition, performance analytics, public-private partnerships and sports tourism.
He identified infrastructure gaps, funding constraints, connectivity issues in the hill districts and the need for greater preservation and promotion of indigenous sports as key challenges facing the department.
Veto said the department has developed a roadmap for sports and youth development in Manipur with a vision of building a “healthier, stronger and more united Manipur” where every youth has the opportunity to play and excel.
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Referring to “Vision 2030: Manipur as Sports Capital”, he urged investors, developers and other stakeholders to collaborate in developing Manipur as a destination for sports, tourism and sporting excellence, citing the state’s diverse terrain, rich sporting culture and strategic location in Northeast India.
M Nabakumar Singh, Senior FO, YAS; Th Mangichan Singh, DD, YAS; T Dushanta Singh, Assistant Director, YAS; and Olympian K Chinglensana were also present at the “Meet the Press” programme.
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