Monumental Neglect (November 23)

As expected Manipur contingent opened its account convincingly on the opening day of competitions at the 31st National Games in Punjab. Manipur was the overall champions in the last National Games hosted by Manipur and they lived upto the expectations till now. It is hoped that the next few days will bring more medals for the State. 

On the opening day cycling and fencing teams from Manipur managed to secure four of the ten gold medals on the opening day itself. There was a minor setback when gold favorite N Gogen had to finish with a silver medal in the men's 500-meter race. Interestingly of the four gold medal winners of host Punjab one is a Manipuri cyclist. 

Manipuris are traditionally better performers in cycling and fencing events. Besides Jefferson Singh, the Manipuri cyclist who was a member of the cycling team that won a gold medal for Punjab there are many other Manipuri boys and girls representing other States. What is more the Punjab team comprising Jefferson broke the meet record. 

Many of the best football teams now participating in this chapter of the National Games include Manipuri boys. As a matter of fact many medal hopes of other States and Services belong to this tiny State in the extreme corner of the country. As the Games move forward Manipur contingent would be winning more medals to bring laurels for the state. It is unfortunate that some of the events where Manipur will outshine other competitors have been dropped. 

Sports is an area where one will have to fight for himself in the field alone without any support or backing. As such for winning medals one needs hard work, stamina, a lot of grit and determination.

Performance in the field of games and sports of our boys and Girls has shown that they are lagging behind their counterparts. It is a pity that the State could not formulate and implement a sports policy till now. Sports is an area where our boys and girls could do far better than those of other States, now that Manipur has world-class sporting venues. 

Khuman Lampak sports complex has provided fields. We have best of field hockey, cycling and athletic tracks, swimming pool etc. After completion of the construction of Khuman Lampak sports complex and especially after the last National Games what one expected was a sports policy of the state Government. 

To say that Manipur has a lot of sports potential is not idle talk. Even if the State could not employ all the best performers, at least the State could groom and then send them to other States, which are ready to accept and pay them. The fact that Manipur Government has been neglecting sports defies all logic. A sports policy should be framed without any delay. It will be a wise policy if the youth energy is tapped and used properly.

(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)

Back to Top