The Manipur Olympic Association (MOA) has appealed to the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Manipur to review the identification of Khelo India Centres in 16 districts of the state, sanctioned by the Union Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry.
The sports apex body of MOA in an executive council meeting held at the conference hall of Olympic Bhavan, Khuman Lampak on Wednesday, closely observed and discussed the opening of 16 Khelo India Centres in detail, which called for review for proper identification of the centres.
Although the MOA is indebted to the Sports Ministry for the great initiative, it observed that the YAS department, Manipur seems not to have properly studied the criteria to the opening of Khelo India Centre as well as Centre of Excellence under the Khelo India Scheme, it said.
The association noted that the opening of Khelo India Centre needs to be consulted and discussed threadbare by YAS Manipur in identifying the centres so as to enable it to run the programme smoothly. YAS should have at least consulted the sports apex body of MOA to minimise the criticisms from different quarters, said a statement by MOA general secretary, Sunil Elangbam.
It may be mentioned that the Sports Ministry has given its green signal for opening of 16 KICs in Manipur in the disciplines of archery, athletics, boxing, badminton, cycling, fencing, hockey, judo, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, weight lifting, wrestling, football and traditional sports (indigenous sports).
The 16 chosen places for opening of Khelo India Centres are Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, Chandel, Tengoupal, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Kangpokpi, Senapati, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Jiribam, Tamenglong and Noney.
