Photo Courtesy: nenews
Imphal: Manipur Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam opened the first Bishnupur District Olympic Games at the DSA Ground on Wednesday. The event runs until July 12 under the banner One District, One Spirit, Khello Bishnupur. It drew athletes from sixteen different sports including boxing, football, and rowing.
A torch rally and flame lighting ceremony started the day. Asian Games medalist Naorem Roshibina Devi, weightlifter Laisharam Monika Devi, and four Indian Super League players lit the Olympic flame. The minister then hoisted the Games flag to signal the start of competition for the various district contingents.
Konthoujam praised the state as a national sporting powerhouse. He claimed that hosting local events helps identify and nurture talent for the world stage. He told the crowd, "district-level sporting events such as these are crucial in identifying promising talent from every corner of the state and nurturing them for national and international competitions."
Deputy Commissioner Pooja Elangbam led the organizing committee. She thanked the CRPF, local officials, and the Bishnupur District Olympic Association for backing the project. Traditional performances like Pung Cholom and Dhol Dholok rounded out the ceremony, highlighting the regional heritage of the host district.
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