Asem Bhakta Singh, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal:
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated the Mini Sports Complex at Akampat SEYO Club Ground, Imphal East today. The Mini Sports Complex was constructed at the estimated cost of Rs. 20 crores.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated a Football Field with RCC Gallery at Chajing, Wangoi Sub Division, Imphal West District under Khelo India Scheme. The football field had been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.08 crore. The inauguration programmes were organised by the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stated that the State had been passing through a rough phase due to the unprecedented conflict and added that the State Government has been working hard to bring a solution and for resettlement of affected people. He maintained that the State Government must continue taking up developmental activities even during the hard times.
Recalling the hardship faced by sportspersons in the olden days due to financial constraint, the Chief Minister informed that various welfare schemes have been introduced for sportspersons. N. Biren assured that he would give priority to the construction of a gallery and boundary wall around the Hockey Stadium at the Mini Sports Complex at Akampat.
About the football field at Chajing, the Chief Minister assured that the State Government would try to construct a VIP gallery. Continuing his speech, he stated that Manipur had faced various challenges in different phases. However, a solution comes with time with collective efforts, he added. He stressed the need to stand unitedly, maintaining that the Government has a firm stand to protect the integrity of Manipur and would firmly stand against those elements trying to distort the State’s integrity.
N. Biren further appreciated the contractors and the Youth Affairs and Sports Department for constructing the Mini Sports Complex properly.
Delivering his speech as president of the function, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated that many players from the State had represented the State and the Country in different arenas and had brought laurels. As such, the Government had taken up various development works in the field of games and sports, recognising the contribution of players, he added.
He appreciated the Chief Minister for his concern on the sports sector, by introducing welfare schemes like Chief Minister ’s Sportspersons Livelihood Guarantee Scheme and others.
He further stressed the need to have proper maintenance of the sports complex and possess a sense of belongingness among players. Power Minister Th. Biswajit, Social Welfare Minister H. Dingo, Transport Minister Khashim Vashum, MLAs Karam Shyam, Kh. Ibomcha, Kongkham Robindro, Khuraijam Loken, Th. Arunkumar, Sapam Kunjakeswor, Th. Shanti, Md Ashab Uddin and senior officials of Youth Affairs and Sports Department also attended the programme.
