TMB Report
Imphal: Reiterating the government’s commitment to save the youths from the drug menace, Works and YAS Minister Govindas Konthoujam has sought unwavering support from the local clubs in the War on Drugs campaign to save the future of the State.
Inaugurating the 53rd Annual Sports Festival 2023 organised by Citizens’ Club at Soibam Leikai on Tuesday, Minister Govindas Konthoujam said that drug menace is one of the major problems plaguing the State and Manipur, being a State geographically located along the international border is facing the rising drug menace.
Highlighting the crucial role of the local clubs in producing talented sportspersons in the State, the Minister said that Manipur is known as the powerhouse of sports in the country and it is the voluntary contributions of the local clubs which made it possible to achieve
the commendable feat.
He said that Prime Minister Narendra-led government had approved the establishment of a Sports University in the State acknowledging the contributions made by the players of the State in the field of sports.
Pointing out that art & culture and sports of the State which is quite popular globally is the identity of the State, he said that if we do
not preserve our tradition and culture, we are bound to perish and lose our identity.
Lauding the Citizens’ Club for producing as many as 18 international players, the Minister maintained that the State Government has also aided sportspersons who have played at national and international level.
He exuded confidence that the Citizens’ Club will continue to produce more eminent sportspersons in the State while assuring to extend all possible help from his department.
The inaugural function was also attended by Wangkhei MLA Thangjam Arunkumar, Transport Minister Khashim Vashum, Director of Youth Affairs and Sports, T Phullen Meitei, Commanding Officer of HQ-9 Assam Rifles, Brg Rajdeep Sangwan, MD Meetei Construction, Ch Ashok Meitei and President of Citizen’s Club, N Mahendra as the presidium members.
MLA Thangjam Arunkumar appreciated the activities of the club which is quite different from other clubs in the State and the unity, cooperation and participation of the people in the initiative taken up by the club is laudable.
A person associated with sports stays away from drugs and sports is the only way to save the youths. Sports not only gives good health but also maintains good discipline, the MLA said, while seeking support of the people in the government’s fight against drugs.
As a part of the sports festival, the club organised a cleanliness competition under the title of MLA Trophy. Four panas namely Wangbren, Koubru, Thangjing and Marjing competed for the trophy. Marjing Pana was adjudged as the first place while Koubru Pana won the second place. Wangbren and Thangjing received consolation prizes.
The march past competition which was held as part of the inaugural function was won by Wangbren Pana. Koubru won second while Thangjing pana secured third place. A cultural dance competition was also held as part of the inaugural function.
