Imphal, June 21 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday said that sports have always served as a powerful medium for promoting friendship, unity and social harmony, noting that sporting events bring people together beyond barriers of region, community and culture.

Addressing the closing function of the 13th Chief Minister Trophy Kang Tournament, the Chief Minister said that since the inception of the Olympic Games, athletes from different countries have come together, interacted with one another and built lasting friendships, thereby strengthening bonds among nations through sports.

He observed that state-level sporting events in India similarly provide opportunities for people from diverse communities to come together, fostering integration, mutual understanding and a spirit of brotherhood.

Manipur, he said, has consistently exemplified this spirit of unity through its rich sporting culture and achievements.

Singh further stated that in recognition of the exceptional talent, dedication and credibility of Manipuri sportspersons, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted the state the country’s first National Sports University.

He said the institution has already made a significant contribution to the growth and development of sports in Manipur and is expected to play a transformative role in nurturing future generations of athletes.

The Chief Minister informed that he has received reports indicating that all infrastructure works at the National Sports University are likely to be completed within the current year, further strengthening the state’s position as a major sporting hub of the country.

Highlighting the importance of preserving indigenous games, Singh said that Kang, one of Manipur’s oldest traditional games, was first introduced during the reign of King Loitongba and remains an important part of the state’s cultural heritage.

He recalled that the Chief Minister’s Kang Trophy was instituted in 1999 by late former Chief Minister Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh with the objective of promoting and preserving the indigenous sport.

He expressed satisfaction that the tournament has successfully reached its 13th edition, reflecting the continued popularity and relevance of the traditional game.

The Chief Minister lauded the players, organisers and members of the Manipur Kang Association for their sustained efforts in preserving, promoting and popularising Kang among younger generations.

He noted that such initiatives play a crucial role in safeguarding the rich cultural traditions of the state.

As a gesture of encouragement towards the promotion of indigenous games, Singh announced a contribution of Rs 1 lakh from the Chief Minister’s account, continuing the annual tradition of extending support to the tournament and its organisers.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception accorded to him during the event, the Chief Minister said that the slogans and messages calling for unity among the people reflected the collective aspiration for peace, harmony and togetherness in the state.

The 13th Chief Minister Trophy Kang Tournament was organised by the Manipur Kang Association at Manipur Kangshang, located within the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal.

The closing ceremony of the tournament was attended by Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, MLAs Karam Shyam Singh, Sagolshem Kebi Devi and Sapam Nishikant Singh, Secretary of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department Naorem Praveen Singh, Director of YAS Dr Mayengbam Veto Singh, former India football team captain P. Renedy Singh, former India footballer Lourembam Lolendra Singh and several other distinguished guests, sports personalities and officials.

–IANS

sc/pgh