Manipur Governor highlights National Sports University's role

IMPHAL — Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla said on Tuesday that the National Sports University (NSU), established in Manipur in 2018, is India’s first specialised university with a national mission for sports education.

Governor Bhalla stated that the NSU is a commitment of the government of India towards the development of sports and games to international standards, being the first-ever central university dedicated to the cause of sports.

He made these remarks while addressing the 26th Shannaroishingee Numit (Players’ Day) function at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal.

He expressed confidence that the NSU would emerge as a truly effective model for the development of positive changes in the sports ecosystem of both the state and the country. He also noted that the NSU aims to introduce sports science and medicine, sports management and technology, sports education, sports journalism, and other interdisciplinary studies.

Moreover, to develop sporting talent at the grassroots level, the state has decided to develop playgrounds in all villages in Manipur under the special scheme "Khung-gang ama Sanabung ama" (one village, one playground). He added that 60 playgrounds have already been identified in the districts of Manipur as part of a pilot project.

Stating that failure is not the end of the journey, he said that sports, like life, are full of ups and downs, wins and losses. What defines a person, he added, is not the number of medals but the courage to try again and keep going.

He added that the number of medals won in the National Games shows that Manipur has earned well-deserved titles in sports across India. The success is not only due to the number of talented athletes produced but also because of the infrastructure, commitment, and sports culture that continue to grow in the state.

In his speech, the state Chief Secretary PK Singh lauded the initiative to nurture sports talent in the state, highlighting the achievements of 19 Olympians, 23 Arjuna awardees, 3 Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardees, one Dronacharya awardee, and one Dhyan Chand awardee, as well as Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan award recipients. Olympian Kshetrimayum Thoiba Singh was also present.

Earlier, the governor felicitated veteran sportspersons who had brought laurels not only to the state but also to the nation. He also honoured the gold medallists of the 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand, where state athletes bagged a total of 55 medals, including 14 gold, 16 silver, and 25 bronze.