N Biren Singh with ministers, officials, and athletes posing
for a group photo during the blessing ceremony of the Manipur state contingent
participating in the 38th National Games in Imphal on Saturday.
- IMPHAL — Manipur
Chief Minister N Biren Singh said on Saturday that the state government will do
its best to host the National Games for a second time.
- Biren Singh said that the state government will make efforts
to host the National Games once again. He mentioned that plans are in place to
construct another stadium in the Langjing Achouba area of Imphal West District,
along with the development of other sports infrastructure.
- However, he added that the success of these plans will
depend on the performance and achievements of the state's sportspersons.
- He made these remarks during a blessing ceremony for the
Manipur state contingent participating in the upcoming 38th National Games 2025
in Uttarakhand.
- Manipur previously hosted the 5th National Games in 1999,
with the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal serving as the main venue for
the country's biggest sports event. During the Games, the state secured the
overall team champion title.
- Singh said the government has consistently worked on
developing sports infrastructure and acquiring modern equipment as needed. He
informed that the upgrade of the cycle velodrome, costing INR 7 crore, is
currently underway.
- Stating that Manipur is globally recognised for its
contributions to sports, art, and culture, he noted that the state has produced
19 Olympians. To further encourage the state's athletes, an Olympian Park has
been constructed to honour the contributions of sportspersons.
- Regarding the promise of government jobs to all the gold
medallists of the 36th and 37th National Games held in Gujarat and Goa,
respectively, Singh clarified that the cabinet meeting held at the Tamenglong
district headquarters on January 22 had approved the offer in principle.
- This time, a total of 400 athletes and 76 officials will
represent the Manipur state contingent in 19 out of the 34 sports disciplines
at the upcoming National Games.
- Ministers Th Biswajit Singh (Forest), H Dingo Singh (Social
Welfare), Th Basantakumar Singh (Education), Khashim Vashum (Transport), and
MLA Kh Ibomcha Singh (Lamlai), along with officials from the Manipur Olympic
Association and athletes, attended the blessing ceremony.
