CRPF’s SPANDAN brings Kuki, Naga youth together through sports in conflict-hit Manipur's Kangpokpi

In an effort to rebuild community confidence and promote peace amid prolonged conflict and hardship, the CRPF has taken its SPANDAN sports outreach initiative to different parts of Kangpokpi district, bringing together local Kuki and Naga youth and villagers through sporting events.

Organised by different CRPF battalions under the aegis of the IGP, Manipur and Nagaland Sector, in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the outreach events were held at Yaikongpao along NH-2, Motbung and Makui along the IT Road. The programmes witnessed enthusiastic participation from local youth and strong support from villagers.

SPANDAN, which stands for “Sports for Peace and Development Across the Nation,” seeks to use sports as a platform for community development while promoting discipline, teamwork, confidence and leadership among young people.

At Yaikongpao, the 112 Battalion CRPF organised a men’s kabaddi tournament featuring eight teams from Tumnoupokpi (Tisa), Daili (Eagle), Yaikongpao (Bulls), Mahika, Kalapahar (Khalkhola Pro), Lower Thangamba, Phyapou and Liyai (Lklyso).

Lower Thangamba emerged as the winner, defeating Yaikongpao in the final, while Mahika finished third. The tournament drew a strong turnout, with elderly villagers, women and children cheering for the participating teams.

The winners, runners-up and third-place team received cash prizes of ₹10,000, ₹7,000 and ₹4,000, respectively, along with medals and certificates.

Meanwhile, C/112 Battalion CRPF organised a 10-km men’s cycling event at Motbung, starting from Motbung Bazar on NH-2 and passing through Pangmol, Songlung, Mongpijang and Saparmaina before returning to the finishing point.

Lamtinlal Singsit won the cycling event with a timing of 28 minutes 10 seconds, followed by Thanggoumang Haokip at 29 minutes 27 seconds and Lamginlen Vaiphei at 30 minutes 45 seconds.

The top three cyclists received cash prizes of ₹10,000, ₹7,000 and ₹5,000, besides medals and certificates. Two veterans above the age of 45, Satngam Kipgen and Krishna Bahadur Karki, also participated in the event.

At Makui village along the IT Road, A/67 Battalion CRPF conducted a 10-km marathon, which also saw enthusiastic participation from local youth and residents of neighbouring villages.

Gospel Chawangtingduimai secured first place with a timing of 36 minutes 12 seconds, followed by Chunchambou Wijunamai and Robert Nikhanamai, who finished in 38 minutes 26 seconds and 39 minutes 51 seconds, respectively.

The marathon winners received cash prizes of ₹10,000, ₹6,000 and ₹4,000, along with medals and certificates, while all participants were presented certificates.

Speaking at the Makui event, Assistant Commandant Vikram, officer-in-charge of A/67 Battalion, highlighted the role of sports in developing discipline, confidence, teamwork, leadership and a healthy outlook among young people.

The events across Kangpokpi provided opportunities for local communities, including Kuki and Naga participants, to come together through sporting activities. The CRPF said such community-oriented programmes are aimed at encouraging youth engagement, development, peace and harmony in the region.

In a district that continues to face the social and economic impact of prolonged conflict, the sporting gatherings offered a platform for community interaction and collective participation, while promoting a sense of normalcy among young people and residents.