Ladelekhro khel emerged as the overall group champions at the 52nd Chizami Sports Association (CSA) meet held from January 7 to the 14th at Chizami.
Around 400 sportspersons from six ‘khels’ competed in 17 sports disciplines, CSA in an update informed.
Mechütheza lifted the men’s football trophy after defeating Ladelekhro by a solitary goal on the final day.
Secretary, Youth Resources & Sports and Parliamentary Affairs, Wezope Kenye, the valedictory guest, in his address spoke on the ever-growing popularity of sports and encouraged the young sportspersons to pursue sports professionally aside from studies.
“In the past, sports was not considered an important field and thus much focus was given only in academics, however the times have changed and therefore young people can pursue sports as an important career option,” Kenye said.
He called upon the parents to change the mindset and encourage their children to pursue sports as an alternative career and not focus on academics alone.
Citing the examples of Mary Kom and Mirabai Chanu, he said that through their sheer determination and perseverance, they have achieved national and international fame.
He further shared that there is no lack of funds at the centre to promote sporting activities in the state.
“However due to non-performance in different fields of games and sports all these years, we are not getting the required funds in our state. Manipur state has no fund constraints as it has been producing Olympians of international fame all these years whereas our state has been lagging behind,” he said.
“The CSA envisions taking Chizami sports and sportspersons to professional levels. The CSA is focused on training and developing sportspersons in select sports disciplines, coach and referee education, and development of sports infrastructure in the village,” it added.