IMPHAL, May 18: Commerce and Industry minister Govindas Konthoujam distributed prizes to winners of the Speed Climbing Competition held at the conference hall of the Manipur Mountaineering and Training Association today.
Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony as the chief guest, Govindas Konthoujam said that the people of Manipur have lots of potential when it comes to sports and games.
For instance, even in mountaineering the climbers of the MMTA has brought laurel for the State in both national and international arenas, he said.
He claimed that the dexterity of the people of the State has been highly regarded by critics and experts of other States of India.
Expressing his appreciation on the tremendous growth of the MMTA over the years, he said that setting up a regional institute of adventure is reasonable in Manipur to further upgrade the MMTA to world class level.
The minister also assured to apprise the Chief Minister to establish the institute besides highlighting the need for allotting a permanent complex for MMTA.
The Manipur Mountaineering Institute located in Lamdan will be added with new features including a Golf Course and upgradation of the accommodation to the level of a three-star hotel, he continued.
Gonvindas Konthoujam also exhorted the youths of Manipur to compete and excel in every aspect not only in sports.
The Speed Climbing was held yesterday at the Kangla Rock and Sport Climbing Wall of MMTA in commemoration of the 2nd Anniversary of the Successful Summit of Mt. Everest by MMTA and the 50 years Golden Jubilee of Indian Mountaineers on the top of the world.
The competition was organized by MMTA in collaboration with All Manipur Working Journalists Union sponsored by the Manipur Development Society.
AMWJU`™s president, W Shamjai, said the successful summit of Mount Everest by natives of the State is a dream come true for the founder members of the MMTA adding that he assured to extend full co-operation to initiatives taken up by MMTA from time to time.
Y Samarjit Singh of Imphal Free Press, bagged the first position in the 40 years below category while W Kumarjit of ISTV and Ch Leikoiba of Pandam, bagged the second and third positions respectively.
In the 40 years above category, Ratan Luwangcha bagged the first position while Jit Ningombam of ISTV and Imo Singh of People`™s Chronicle bagged the second and third positions repectively.
In the 40 years above category for Women, Sonia Sorensangbam of Poknapham bagged the first position while S Bimola of Senmitlon and Nomita Khongbantabam of Hueyen Lanpao bagged the second and third positions respectively.
In the 40 years below category for Women, E Babina Devi of Sanaleibak bagged the first position while Nongmaithem Reena of Impact TV and Chingsubam Leisembi Chanu of Pandam, bagged the second and third positions respectively.
In each category, all the first places were awarded with Rs 10,000 cash prize, Rs 5000 for second place and Rs 3000 for third place along with citations.
The cash prizes were donated by Pradhan-Patsoi G/P N Tomba Meetei, pradhan Mayang Langjing G/P Kh Sanaton Singh, Khaonghampat G/P Pradhan Y Muhindro Singh, Lairenkabi Kadangband G/P Pradhan N Bobby Singh, Representative Thounaojam Leikai G/P Pradhan N Ratan Singh, Sapam Leikai G/P Pradhan A Bishorjit Singh, Phayeng G/P Pradhan A Gojendro Singh, Representative Channgangei G/P Pradhan L Tomna Singh, Yarou Bhamdhiyar G/P Pradhan S Punakeshwor Singh, Takyel G/P Pradhan K Somolata Devi, Lamjaotongba G/P Pradhan RK Gunisana Devi and Bijoy Govinda G/P N Rani Devi.