IMPHAL, June 25: In an earnest attempt to promote water sports more vividly in the state, Yachting will be started soon and an appropriate area in Loktak Lake will be indentified. This was stated by Works and Transport minister Dr Kh Ratankumar.
Speaking to media persons at a press conference in his office chamber on Wednesday, Dr Kh Ratankumar said that all possible assistance will be extended to Manipur Yachting Association.
He stressed that the eastern side of Loktak Lake has stronger winds as compare to all parts of Loktak Lake and that will make the sport to be played at Komlakhong, Sagai Sabi Hiden Khom as the sport is possible on strong windy waters with waves.
For Yachting, the space requirement is 3/3 kilometres whereas more enough space is available in these areas, he said, adding that the sport will attract more tourists to the place.
He lauded the Manipur Yachting Association for their efforts to create awareness and interest towards Yachting to sportspersons which is new in the state and was never played before in the state.
In 2012, National Level Kayaking and Canoeing championship was held successfully at Komlakong, he said, continuing that many athletes of water sports such as Canoeing & Kayaking, rowing, water skating etc are able to earn names in the national and international arena.
“To inspect the availability of water and wind speed for Yachting, commander of Indian Navy, KD Singh who is also the president of Yachting Association of India visited the state and checked the spot. The sport will definitely help the people of the state as there are many water sports lovers in the state,” he said.
Pointing out that it won’t be necessary to improve the infrastructure, he said that he look forward to grow the game in the state, adding that water sport athletes have adapted wonderfully to the sport.
“The state has the right potential to produce talent,” he said, and, “the Loktak Lake in the state which is the largest fresh water lake in North East is the right spot to develop water sports.”
