Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh joined the International Olympic Day Run at Imphal’s Khuman Lampak Sports Complex on June 23. He highlighted the state's role in Indian athletics, noting that national teams rarely compete without Manipuri representation. The region hosts 36 different communities living in harmony. This social stability feeds directly into the state's deep athletic tradition.
The Chief Minister touted the National Sports University as a key win for the state. Construction on that campus is almost finished. He spoke from experience as a former Taekwondo athlete. He told the crowd: "Sports also play a crucial role in instilling discipline." He urged young participants to value their coaches and stay determined in all parts of life.
Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam addressed the event with an eye on the 2036 Olympic Games. He pointed out that Manipur has produced 19 Olympians despite its small population. The current gear is outdated, much of it leftovers from the 1999 National Games. The Chief Minister promised 5 crore rupees this year to buy modern equipment for the athletes.
The event concluded with a tree planting session and a formal run. Officials, including MLAs and athletic association leaders, attended the ceremony. The government message remains clear: stay clean, stay disciplined, and keep pushing for gold.
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