Manipur celebrates Players’ Day, honours athletes and champions

Manipur observed Shannaroishingee Numit (Players’ Day) today at Indoor Stadium, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex recognising the spirit and achievement of the athletes of the state. 

The programme was marked by felicitating gold medallists of the recently concluded 38th National Games, 2025. Above this, veteran sportspersons were also honoured. 

Speaking at the event as chief guest governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla said, the day is being observed in recognition to the dedication and hard work of our sportspersons and to encourage the spirit of sportsmanship that defines the athletic community of Manipur. 

He further said, that with a proud history of producing world-class athletes, the state has been consistently at the forefront of sporting excellence in many sports disciplines. The state has earned the well-deserved title of the Sports Hub of India. 

Highlighting the initiative to develop sporting talents at grassroot level, the Governor said, the Government has decided to develop playgrounds in all the villages of Manipur under the ‘Khungang Ama Sanabung Ama’ scheme. The Department of Youth Affairs & Sports has been implementing a coaching program named – Regular Coaching Centre (RCC), in 24 sports disciplines since 2002. 

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Governor continued that the Government is committed to provide world-class sports facilities, quality training to the youths of the state. The government of India has set up the National Sports University which aims to promote sports education in the areas of sports sciences, sports technology, sports medicine, sports journalism, sports management, sports coaching, etc. 

Governor congratulated all the medal winners, participants, coaches, trainers, sports officials, and parents of the players who have played a vital role in shaping the careers of the athletes. The event has been organised by the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports.
    
An Olympian, Kshetrimayum Thoiba Singh stated that Manipur is known for producing good players who are can bring laurel for the state and country. However major chunk of the players is from economically deprived family. As such players always requires constant support including financial, infrastructure and moral. 

“The economic condition of state is in weak and inflation rate is very high. It is impossible that players from peripheral areas can attend training every day at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex. It is very much crucial to ponder this challenges face by players,” Thoiba suggested while drawing attention of the state to provide improved or advanced sports training infrastructure. 

Delivering his presidential speech, chief secretary of Manipur, Prashant Kumar Singh celebrating the legacy of Manipur sports, the day is being observed appreciating the contribution and dedication made by athletes of Manipur. Their achievement and participation glorify the state at national and international level. 

Prashant saying the number of medal and award receive by Manipur player is pride of state, he informed that so far Manipur has produced 19 Olympian, 23 Arjuna Awardee, three players have received Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, one each has bagged Dronacharya Award and Dhyan Chand Award. Above these many players have received Padma Bhusan and Padma Vibhushan. 

Prashant has also appreciated the initiative taken by department of Youth and Sports Affairs (YAS)to nurture, groom and promote players of Manipur. 

He also congratulated all the players who have participated in recently concluded 38th national games. 

As a part of the event, students demonstrate Wushu and Taekwondo performance.