IMPHAL March 6: Organized by the United Peoples’ Front (UPF) under the banner “Run for your Nation”, nearly 2000 participants took part in the 5th Manipur Mega Marathon held today. The marathon was flagged off by Sports Minister N Biren at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.
The athletes started from the main stadium towards Chingmeirong and proceeded towards Thangmeiband,Lamphel ,Tera,Kwakeithel ,Singjamei, Khongma, Porompat, Khurai and finally converged at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium. The total length of the marathon was 21 kms.
After the arrival of the athlete , the main program was held at the main stadium and attended by Sports Minister N Biren as the chief guest, United People’s Front President Y Dhiren was the president of the function . PHED Minister TN Haokip and Health and Family Welfare minister L Jayanta attended as the guest of honors.
TN Haokip in his speech emphasized on the need to develop the sport persons of the state to meet the requirements of the Olympic Games. He stated that Manipur is a powerhouse of sports and the state is en route to becoming a major tourist hub, getting laurels from the Olympics will further enhance the image of the state in the international arena, which will be an important landmark in developing tourism as a mini industry for the state.
Adding to TN Haokip statement ,minister Jayanta also gave opinion to address the potential of the youths of the state.YK Dhiren in his presidential speech stated that the UPF had initiated the Marathon with the belief that such an endeavor will promote health consciousness and address the issue of rampant drug abuse in the state.
The winners of the Marathon was awarded by the VIPs. In the men’s category,Th Sanjit Luwang of Yaipok took the first prize carrying an amount of 30,000 by completing the course within 1.20 hrs. O Sanaton of Oinam,M Raju of Hararou bagged the consecutive prizes. In the women’s category S Premila Devi bagged the first prize by completing the race within 1.20 hrs. L Bijeshwori and Ch Sonia came second and third respectively. The marathon carries a cash prize of Rs 20,000 and 10,000 each. Consolation prizes of Rs 2000 each were awarded to the athletes coming within the 10th position in both category.
