A new training centre equipped with state-of-the-art facilities will be constructed at Sangaithel Olympian Park shortly after following through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Samsung Electronics, Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday in Imphal.
The chief minister was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Chumthang Shannapung in Langthabal Lep Makha Leikai, Imphal West.
The chief minister further stated that coaches and experts from outside Manipur will be brought in to provide world class training to up and coming athletes of the state. He exuded confidence that the initiative will carry on Manipur’s legacy in sports on the world stage.
He also maintained that the state government will sponsor a spate of training centres under renowned athletes of the States in various sports disciplines. “Government is currently working to set up a sports academy for renowned boxer Laishram Sarita by this year and a training centre for Olympic medalist Mirabai”, CM Biren said.
Mentioning that seven artificial football turfs had been constructed in major hill districts of the state, N Biren added around seven locations in Manipur had been identified to construct new grass ground for football.
“Grass grounds are more suited for athletes in real matches as such the plan for construction was incepted”, he said.
The chief minister further stated that the government is leaving no stones unturned to elevate sports in Manipur. He added that the underlying objective of the push is to inculcate a good lifestyle and completely eradicate the issue of drug menace among youths in the state.
Speaking at the G20 Summit, CM Biren highlighted that 150 delegates have been confirmed so far for the summit in Manipur. He stated the G20 business summit will take place at the City Convention Centre on February 17.
“Key investable areas in Manipur will be discussed and presented to international business investors during the summit”, he said. Biren further stated that investment is the only way to usher development and prosperity in the state.
The chief minister maintained that no peace and development could be fostered without the cooperation of the people. As such he exhorted the people to exert collective effort and extend their service to the government in propelling the state towards prosperity.
Mentioning the present plight of water scarcity in the State, N Biren maintained that the issue was the result of massive deforestation. He pointed out that forest exploitation for poppy cultivation and farming has heavily impacted the environment.
“A strict afforestation drive, both in the hills and the valley, is the urgent need of the hour otherwise the state’s future will be devastative”, he added. The chief minister exhorted people to conserve and plant trees in their locality to promote unique local ecosystems.
As such, the government’s Green Mission Manipur will be revamped by monsoon to start the drive in full gear, the CM said.
He further highlighted the state government’s vision to make Manipur a self-sustainable region and stated that such goals would be impossible without support from the hills and the valley.
He also exhorted the Meitei community to unite and stated communal boundaries could be dismantled only when Meiteis are united. He further stated that development and improvement in cordial relations in Manipur would have been impossible without BJP in power.
MLAs of Wangkhei assembly constituency Thangjam Arunkumar, Lamsang Sorokhaibam Rajen, Langthabal Karam Shyam, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa S Kebi, Saikul Kimneo Hangsing, Chumthang managing director S Gobin and renowned athletes of the state among others attended the inaugural ceremony.
During the event, the Chief Minister unveiled the inaugural stone and inspected the vicinity of Chumthang shannapung
After the inaugural event a football match between Chief Minister XI and Chumthang XI was also played.
