IMPHAL, November 9: The state government will provide Rs 1 lakh to any state level tournaments of any sports discipline in the state from next year announced newly appointed Parliamentary Secretary, YAS M Prithiraj during the inaugural of the 3rd State Level Canoeing and Kayaking championship at the Regional Water Sports Complex, Takmu.
Speaking further, he said that according to a Ministry of Sports guideline, all state are required to have a proper policy for renovation of sports stadiums.
He continued though our state might be lacking in sports facilities and infrastructures, our players are hard-working and highly competitive which is evident from the fact that we have Olympic medallist, international sportspersons.
He continued that the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Jitender Singh has assured all help when urged to provide a special package to the state to improve the sports facilities.
As there was no sports budget in the current financial year, the department is unable to take development work.
He also said that after the London Olympics, the sporting fraternity of the country has started to turn towards the state and added that if the state can provide better facilities and infrastructure, the state’s players could do much better.
He also expressed that the number of full-fledged coaches in the state is not sufficient.
Canoeing and kayaking had been dominated by Kerala for long in the past however, Manipur is now dominating the event. He also said that the Water Sports Complex Takmu will be inaugurated by 2013 March or April.
Today’s event was also attended by MLA T Mangibabu Singh as guest of honour.