Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has re-launched the Regular Coaching Centre of Football initiated by the Youth Affairs and Sports Department at the newly laid Artificial Turf Ground at Langjing Achouba, Imphal West on Sunday.
Previously, the six-month Regular Coaching Centre for football conducted by coaches of YAS Department was held at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex attracting more than 60 players in each course. But it was formally re-located to Artificial Turf from Sunday.
The Youth Affairs & Sports regularly conducts its RCC programme in 25 sports disciplines including Olympic and non-Olympic since 2002, which altogether attracts 1500 players in the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, N Biren Singh said that the state government is extending every possible help to promote sports culture and sportspersons in the state. We are enjoying our sporting status due to the dedication of parents of sportspersons, coaches and various clubs, who have moulded them into medal winners and champions.
Singh said, “We need to inspire and motivate our young generation to dream big and provide them the ladder to reach higher goals”.
The chief minister said that the government is providing financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh each to 15 sporting clubs to support their sporting activities.
“We all know that it is very hard to run a sporting club if we don’t have enough funds. At the same time, the state government is also providing Rs. 1 crore to Neroca FC and TRAU FC who are participating in the I-League,” he said.
Coming to the RCC programme, N Biren Singh also instructed YAS Minister Letpao Haokip as well YAS officials to see that the players are provided proper drinking water and diet amounting to Rs 15 per head during the course of the programme.
Elevating footballer and Padma Shri Oinam Bembem Devi to Brand Ambassador of Football, Chief Minister N.Biren Singh called upon Entrepreneurs, Individuals and Multinational Companies to come forward in extending support to the sportspersons of the state with whatever contributions they could make.
International footballer and Padma Shri awardee, O Bembem Devi also feted on the occasion by the Chief Minister N.Biren Singh along with his Cabinet colleagues YAS Minister Letpao Haokip and Education Minister S.Rajen Singh.
Padma Shri Oinam Bembem Devi also called upon compatriots as well companies and Individuals to help out young sportspersons in every way they could, so that they could shine and bring laurels to the state as well for the country.
