Senapati: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday called for concerted efforts to preserve and promote the indigenous sports, traditional arts and cultural practices of the state’s diverse communities.
He made the appeal while attending a demonstration of Naga Indigenous Wrestling (Pyacha) at the Astro Turf Ground in Senapati, organised by the Senapati District Wrestling Association Manipur (SDWAM).
Drawing parallels between Pyacha and the Meitei traditional wrestling form of Mukna, Khemchand said every community has distinctive sporting traditions that deserve recognition and encouragement.
Recalling his own association with martial arts, the Chief Minister said he had practised the traditional Meitei martial art of Thang-Ta during childhood. He later took up Taekwondo after being inspired by Bruce Lee’s film Enter the Dragonwhile studying in Class IX in the 1970s.
Khemchand, who was recently conferred the title of Grand Master 9th DAN in Traditional Taekwondo by the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation, said he had come to Senapati to encourage the promotion of Naga Indigenous Wrestling.
Referring to China’s Shaolin martial arts tradition, particularly the 36 Chambers of Shaolin, he said Manipur’s indigenous sports and cultural heritage also had immense potential to attract wider recognition and interest.
Highlighting the participation of 25 communities in the wrestling event, the Chief Minister said their coming together sent a strong message of unity and peace. He noted that all 36 communities of Manipur collectively contribute to the state.
He also stressed the responsibility of the present generation of elders to work towards restoring and sustaining peace for the benefit of future generations.
The programme coincided with Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, observed in honour of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. Sports gear and kits were distributed to Senapati district players to encourage young sporting talent.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated an exhibition football match between Senapati FC and Hills Academy (U-15 Boys).
Later, he met representatives of the BJP Senapati unit, Naga People’s Organisation, Senapati District Students’ Association and Senapati District Women’s Association at the Deputy Commissioner’s chamber. They apprised him of various grievances and issues concerning the district.
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