IMPHAL | Dec 9 : Chief minister, N. Biren Singh said that there is a strong need to dig out more inner potential and talents in the field of sports of the state and explore it to the world. This was stated by the CM at the closing function of the 11th Jadonang Memorial Football Tournament 2017 held at THAU Sports Complex, Thangmeiband, Imphal West.
Speaking as chief guest of the function, N. Biren said that sports helps in building real human relations and there is no religion, caste or creed in sports. Sports have a great value in promoting peace in the world, he added.
The CM also said that the government is trying its level best to complete the ongoing construction of various sports complex in the hill districts of the State. Under the recent initiative taken up by the government of India, playgrounds would be developed in each and every village to encourage sports in the country, he added.
Stating that football is becoming popular these days, N. Biren urged the organising committee to organise the tournament at larger scale to reach national level so that the tournament would have maximum exposure in the country.
Mentioning the demand made by the Zeliangrong Union for the construction of Sports Complex, he suggested the union to look for a suitable site for the construction of the complex, for which government would extend every possible help. The CM also said that the government would have a concrete discussion with the locals of the Thangmeiband area for the development of THAU ground such as construction of roofing, pavilion, artificial turf playing surface and others.
Biren stated that the Kabuis inhabited in the valley areas of the state where sports is very active. Earlier, large number of players belonging to Zeliangrong community represented in various clubs during different tournaments of the state. However such representation has been decreasing since many years, and the reason might be non-availability of playgrounds to play, he added.
On the occasion, N. Biren extended monetary assistance of Rs. 50,000 to the organising committee of the tournament.
Addressing his presidential address, MLA Gaikhangam appealed the organising committee to think of expanding the tournament at the scale of national level and it should not be confined only to Zeliangrong community of the state. He further said that Haiphou Jadonang was born in Zeliangrong community but he represents as a symbol of patriotism of human kind.
The function was also attended by former chief minister, Radhabinod Koijam, MLA Tamenglong AC, Samuel Jendai, former minister, Dr. Kh. Loken Singh, former MLA, Janghemlung Panmei, vice-president of BJP, Jyotin Waikhom, president of Zeliangrong Football Association, Gaipuijai Golmei, president of Zeliangrong Union, Amu Kamei.
The final match of the tournament was played between Langthabal Chingthak Rongmei Club (LCRC) and Keishamthong Kabui Football Club (KKFC). The tournament is being organised by Zeliangrong Football Association.
Source: Imphal Free Press
