IMPHAL, January 28: PHED Minister Irengbam Hemochandra today flagged off a torch rally carrying the message of the 12th South Asian Games 2016 to be held in Guwahati and Shillong from February 5 to 16.
The rally organized by Youth Affairs & Sports Department was flagged off from the historic place Kangla.
Around 1000 people including Olympians, coaches, students of National Sports Academy and Manipur University participated in the rally which passed through Santhong, Kangla Pat, Nityapat Chuthek and ended at the flagging off place.
Speaking to media persons, Minister Hemochandra lauded the unique spirit and talent possesses by the State players.
He exuded confidence that players from the State will give exemplary performance in the ensuing 12th South Asian Games and bring laurel not only to the State but to the country as well.
Commerce & Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam; Social Welfare Minister Ak Mirabai Devi; MLA Nunglung Victor; Chief Secretary O Nabakishore; Commissioner (Youth Affairs & Sports) RK Dinesh and officials of YAS were also present at the flagging off ceremony.
It may be mentioned that at first the torch rally was held in Shillong on January 21 followed by Guwahati on January 22, Agartala on January 24 and Aizawl on January on 26.
Next the rally will be held in Gangtok on January 30 to be followed by Kohima on February 2 and Itanagar on January 3.