Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Guwahati: Manipur’s Para athletes delivered a remarkable performance at the 2nd North East Para Sports Meet 2025 held at the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Sarusajai, Nalapara Road, Guwahati, from 27 to 29 November. Organised under the leadership of Organising Committee President Smt. Riniki Sharma Bhuyan and Organising Secretary Rajib Dey of the Para Olympic Committee of Assam, the event concluded with Manipur securing an impressive total of 12 medals: 8 Gold, 1 Silver and 3 Bronze, despite facing multiple challenges.
Although 25 athletes were initially selected to represent Manipur, only 14 members comprising 7 athletes, 5 officials and 2 escorts were able to attend the meet due to travel difficulties, shortage of funds and inability to cover flight expenses arising from the ongoing conflict in Manipur.
Outstanding Performances
1. Legendary Para Athlete Khwairakpam Joykumar Singh
The defending champion dominated the F-12 visual impairment category, winning five Gold medals in Shotput, Discus Throw, Javelin Throw, 100m and 200m events.
2. Naorem Chanchan Devi
A rising star, she bagged two Gold medals, one in the 400m race in the T-20 category and another in Shotput, along with one Bronze in Long Jump.
3. Defending Champion Md. Bahauddin
Competing in the F-46/47 category, he clinched Gold in 400m, Silver in 200m and Bronze in 100m.
4. Hirom Manoj Singh
He secured one Bronze in Shotput under the F-40/41 category.
5. Naorem Soremendro Singh
He earned one Bronze in the SL-4 Badminton category.
Challenges Faced by Manipur’s Para Squad
Chief de Mission of the Manipur Para Squad, Dr. Kiran Yendrembam, stated that the delegation encountered serious hurdles due to Manipur’s prolonged conflict. The disrupted road connectivity between Imphal and Guwahati and the high cost of flight tickets severely affected the team’s ability to participate fully. He expressed disappointment that these constraints deprived Manipur of the opportunity to contend for the overall championship title.
Dr. Kiran further highlighted the lack of adequate facilities and support for Para athletes in Manipur compared to other states. He noted that globally both Para Olympic and Olympic athletes receive equal treatment, whereas in India, particularly in Manipur, Para athletes remain underprivileged. He emphasised that authorities must understand the true status of Para sports and the Olympic movement. Para athletes in Manipur continue to struggle due to negligence in policies, infrastructure and recognition within the state’s sports system.
He stressed that Para athletes require dedicated encouragement, emotional support and structural backing to achieve excellence. Their steadfast determination, he said, deserves far greater appreciation and investment from authorities.
Joykumar’s Inspiring Message
Legendary athlete Khwairakpam Joykumar Singh dedicated his victories to all Para athletes of Manipur. During his final Javelin throw, he cried out emotionally before releasing the javelin, declaring he would not participate in future if he failed to win Gold in the event. His determination and courage are not just personal achievements but a source of motivation and a new ray of hope for Para athletes and officials alike.
Dr. Kiran praised Joykumar for lifting the morale of the entire squad, stating that his message serves as encouragement not only for participants but also for all those supporting Para sports.
Appeal to Authorities
The Manipur Para Squad extended an appeal through the press, urging authorities and stakeholders to prioritise Para sports and address the long-standing challenges faced by the community. On behalf of the Para Community Dr.Kiran Yendrembam further stated that making false promises and offering empty encouragement, along with pretensions of warm reception after medal victories, is an open insult to the entire Para community. He emphasised that such practices should not continue in Manipur.
Para athletes and Para Olympic officials highlighted the urgent need for proper guidance, financial assistance and infrastructure to ensure that Manipur’s Para athletes continue to excel at national and international levels.
