IMPHAL, November 30: The state government has been promoting sports and encouraging the players of various sports by providing them with jobs in the state departments. The state has been able to absorbed 119 players in recognition of their achievements in various sporting events bringing laurel to the state, stated Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh while inaugurating the newly constructed Manipur Olympic Bhawan at Khuman Lampak Sports complex.
He further informed that the state government had approved the construction of the bhawan which has been constructed at the cost of Rs 4.82 crores under the Special Plan Assistance considering the request of the Manipur Olympic Association and in the interest of the sports lovers and players of the state.
Further in his address to the gathering, the Chief Minister informed that, “Besides giving priority to law and order; health & education sector, the state government has started focussing on culture, sports and tourism as well”.
He further emphasis on the importance of discipline, team spirit and sacrifice in the field of games and sports.
He further elaborated that the construction of buildings and markets should be taken up outside the Imphal City to ease the congestion in the city.
Meanwhile, coming back to steps taken up in promotion of games and sports in the state, the Chief Minister announced that the state government is considering constructing a National Sports Academy in every districts of the state very soon.
YAS minister DD Thaisii, in his presidential speech said that, since there are many players in the state who have national as well as international recognition and a vast resource of sporting talents, the state government will proposed the visiting Prime Minister to announce the state as ‘Sports high-tech City”.
He further stated that the state government is yet to fully harness the talent of the youth of the state in the field of games and sports, given the right opportunities, the youths of the state will bring more impressive results and considering this, games and sports will become part of the educational syllabus in schools.
Later in the day, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed Imphal Western Club Indoor stadium at Uripok Khumanthem Leikai.
Both inaugural functions were also attended by MPCC president Gaikhangam, power minister T Phungjathang, IFCD minister N Biren, PDA chairman Kh Loken, MLA L Nandakumar, MLA Y Surchandra and dy chairman State Planning Board Bijoy Koijam.
