Our Correspondent
Imphal, Aug.26 (EMN): Manipur Governor, La Ganesan, accompanied by Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, formally opened the 2nd Manipur Olympic Games-2022 at the Mapal Kangjeibung, the world's oldest polo ground, in Imphal on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, the governor expressed happiness that 34 sports disciplines including indigenous sports disciplines such as Kang and Mukna and about 6000 sports persons are taking part in the Games.
Reminding that Manipur has already produced many Olympians and National players, Ganesan said the Government of India endorsed establishment of national sports university in Manipur in recognition of the wonderful performances of the state’s sportspersons.
The Governor said Manipur has produced 19 Olympians, one Padma Bhushan awardee, five Padma Shri awardees, 19 Arjuna awardees, three Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardees, one Dronacharya awardee, one Dhyan Chand awardee, 24 Asian Games medalists, and 27 Commonwealth Games medalists. In the recently held Common Wealth Games 2022 also, Manipur produced two medalists in weightlifting category, Ganesan said.
He expressed confidence that with the initiative taken up by the Government of India in the recent past in the field of games and sports, the future is good for all including the sports persons.
In his presidential speech, Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, expressed happiness that second Manipur Olympic Games was being organised after 34 years since the first Manipur Olympic Games held in 1988.
He recalled the recognition given by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to the sports talent of Northeast people during a chief minister’s conference.
Singh reiterated that the Manipur government after consultation with the MOA had decided to organise the Games every year and added that the budget for organising the same will be allocated separately from next year.
Stressing the need to organise the State Olympic Games in a festive mood with inclusion of cultural programmes from next year, he also announced a cash reward of INR 50,000 to the march past contingent from Ukhrul district.
The state Olympic Games-2022 will culminate on August 30.