Yumnam Khemchand Singh praised Manipur's sporting legacy at the International Olympic Day Run and reaffirmed support for athletes.
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IMPHAL — Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday said the state is home to 36 communities that have lived together in harmony and highlighted Manipur's remarkable contribution to Indian sports while attending the International Olympic Day Run at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister said no Indian contingent at major international sporting events is complete without athletes from Manipur.
Khemchand noted that the State has consistently brought laurels to the country through the outstanding achievements of its sportspersons.
Recognising Manipur's immense contribution to Indian sports, he said the country's first National Sports University was established in the State. The university's infrastructure is nearing completion, and the Chief Minister said he had recently inspected the campus.
Manipur has produced 19 Olympians since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Among them are seven hockey players, four boxers, four weightlifters, three judokas and one archer.
Recalling his own experience as a taekwondo player, the chief minister said sports teach discipline and patience, adding that representing the country and winning medals at international competitions remain significant achievements for every athlete.
Later, in a post on X, Singh said he flagged off the 3-km International Olympic Day Run in the presence of Minister for Home and Youth Affairs & Sports K Govindas Singh, MLAs and other dignitaries.
He said the event celebrated the Olympic spirit and India's aspiration to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Saplings were also planted to promote environmental conservation and climate resilience.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Govindas Konthoujam said India is preparing to host the 2036 Olympic Games and is identifying and nurturing sporting talent from different states across various disciplines to improve the country's Olympic performance.
The minister also noted that much of the sports equipment procured for the 5th National Games held in 1999 has become outdated and no longer meets current competitive standards.
He said the chief minister has assured a provision of INR 5 crore during the current financial year for the procurement of modern sports equipment to support athletes.
The chief minister and the sports minister jointly flagged off the 3-km International Olympic Day Run, which witnessed participation from several international and national award-winning sportspersons, coaches and sports enthusiasts.