IMPHAL, February 25: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today flagged off the `Players`™ Run` organised as a part of the observance of the `XVIth Shannaroishingee Numit 2015` here at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.
The day is being observed to honour the efforts and talents of the players of Manipur who won the coveted Raja Bhalendra Singh Trophy for emerging overall team champions in the 5th National Games on February 25, 1999 held in Imphal.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Ibobi Singh who was the chief guest of the function stated that it was a landmark achievement in the sporting history of Manipur to win the coveted Raja Bhalendra Singh Trophy in the 5th National Games in 1999 for being the best team of the Games.
He further said that Manipur, is a powerhouse of sports in India, because of the inherent love for games and sports amongst the people. Manipur is well known throughout the world for its sporting talents. He expressed his happiness over the laurels and achievements brought by the sportspersons to the state till date.
The Chief Minister also said that his government has been taking up various initiatives for the promotion of sports in the state and also for the encouragement of the sportspersons in particular by extending financial assistance to various sports activities in the state and also by providing government jobs, cash awards and incentives to the sportspersons.
He further stated that his government will try its best to enhance the standard of sports in the state. The CM extended his good wishes to all the sportspersons in the state to do better in the year to come.
Commerce & Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam, PHED Minister I Hemochandra Singh and Parliamentary Secretary (YAS) M Prithiviraj Singh were also present in the function along with various sportspersons of the state.
The `Players`™ Run` was participated by a large number of sportspersons of different age groups from different fields.