Manipur Textile Minister Nemcha Kipgen on Wednesday called upon the youth to become "active torchbearers in the war on drugs and to maintain the beauty and richness of the state.
Kipgen was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 20th Keithelmanbi Ward Wise Sports, 2023, as chief guest.
"Let us not let drugs rule us. We must overcome and eliminate the menacing drugs in the state to bring a healthier and brighter Manipur for which the role of the youths is vital," the minister said.
Kipgen said that considering the soft soil condition of the land which requires roper preservation and protection, "we are inviting massive destruction of our own future if we allow the use of deadly chemicals for poppy cultivation".
She also said that "Manipur has occupied space in all disciplines of games and sports at the national and international levels and it's time we encourage education and sports among the youths who are the future hope of the society".
Minister Nemcha urged the Church leaders and the village authority, youth and women's society of Keithelmanbi Military Colony to organize a mega Youth Camp, and if required, women and men's camp as well. She conveyed her willingness to sponsor such camps to create awareness on drugs and save the society.
The closing ceremony was also attended by Saitu AC MLA, Haokholet Kipgen as Guest of Honour, and DC Kangpokpi, Kengoo Zuringla, as function president while SP Kangpokpi, Th Vikramjit Singh, attended as a distinguished guest.
In U-14 boys’ football, Ward No 2 emerged as Champion, and Ward No 7 bagged the runner-up while in women's football, Ward No 9 emerged as Champion and Ward No 4 as runner-up.
In men's volleyball, Ward No 8 emerged as Champion and Ward No 6 as runner-up while in women's volleyball, Ward No 9 bagged the champion trophy and Ward No 1 bagged the runner-up.
In the men's football category B, Ward No.1 emerged as champion and Ward No.6 bagged the runner-up.
In today's men's football category A final match between Ward No.5 and Ward No.6, S. Minlun braces in the 56th and 74th minutes gave Ward No.5 a thumping victory over Ward No.6 and lifted the champion trophy while Ward No.6 had contended with the runner-up trophy.
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