Asem Bhakta, Special Correspondent North East
Loktak Lake, Manipur : As part of his two-day visit to the state, the Hon’ble Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, visited the iconic Loktak Lake, focusing on the Loktak Lake Front Garden and temporary jetty. The Minister received a warm welcome from a large group of young athletes specializing in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking at the Regional Water Sports Complex, Takmu. He was also greeted by a high-level state government delegation led by Shri K Govindas, Minister for Public Works Department and Youth Affairs & Sports; Shri L Susindro Meitei, Minister for Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (CAF&PD); Shri L Shanti Singh, MLA of Moirang; and Shri M Asnikumar Singh, Chairman of the Loktak Development Authority (LDA), along with LDA officials, villagers, community leaders, and athletes.
During a formal welcome ceremony, the Hon’ble Union Minister was presented with a painting, traditional handicrafts, and a traditional headgear by Shri L Susindro Meitei, Shri L Shanti Singh, and Shri M Asnikumar Singh, respectively, as gestures of respect and gratitude. The Minister then engaged in meaningful dialogue with athletes from the Regional Water Sports Complex, who expressed their concerns about the lack of adequate equipment and facilities at the complex. Shri M Asnikumar Singh, representing the community, submitted a memorandum highlighting these issues to the visiting Union Minister.
As President of the Bishnupur District Canoeing & Kayaking Association, Shri Asnikumar Singh also requested the Union Minister to sponsor a national championship for canoeing, kayaking, and rowing at the Regional Water Sports Complex, Loktak Lake, within the current year. The Union Minister responded positively to this request.
In his response, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya assured the state delegation that the existing facilities would be upgraded, either under the SAI’s Center of Excellence in Water Sports or by developing the complex as a campus of the National Sports University, Imphal, recognizing its ideal location and existing infrastructure for water sports. He also emphasized that harnessing the hidden talents of the youth is a top priority for the Modi government and expressed his eagerness to see the young minds from the Loktak Lake area excel in water sports in the future.
The Union Minister also held discussions with the Ministers, MLA, and Chairman of LDA. Following this, he took a boat ride on Loktak Lake, interacting with state government representatives. Shri Mandaviya highlighted the importance of preserving Loktak as a natural treasure and pledged full support from relevant ministries and agencies for its rejuvenation, conservation, and sustainable development to secure the livelihoods of those who depend on the lake.
Before concluding his visit, the Union Minister expressed his intention to return to the state in the coming months, with plans to visit the world-famous Keibul Lamjao National Park, Karang Island, INA HQ Moirang, and to spend more time engaging with local communities and witnessing the cultural heritage associated with Loktak Lake and Moirang.
