Half Marathon organised at MU as Part of National Sports Day 2025

The Department of Physical Education and Sports Science (PESS), Manipur University, successfully organised a Half Marathon on Saturday as part of the National Sports Day 2025 celebrations. The event, held in collaboration with the Fit India Campaign Committee, Fit India Club and the National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell, Manipur University, commenced at 7 am from the Traffic Island inside the campus. It was organised under the national theme “Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein!” initiated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Higher Education, Government of India.
The marathon was graced by several dignitaries, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, Registrar Prof. M. Premjit Singh, Head of PESS Prof. L. Thambal Singh, NSS Coordinator and Convener Dr. L. Santosh Singh, Security Officer Dr. Y. Shantikumar Singh, Dr. L. Pungding and senior faculty members. They served as presidium members of the function.
The programme began with a welcome address by Prof. L. Thambal Singh, who spoke on the importance of participation over victory and highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship. Vice-Chancellor Prof. N. Lokendra Singh remarked that the Half Marathon was not only a race for medals but also a celebration of teamwork, resilience and the ability to push physical and mental boundaries. He pointed out that marathon running helps improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen immunity, enhance metabolism and instil perseverance and self-efficacy among participants.
The marathon was flagged off by the Vice-Chancellor, while technical support and coordination were provided by Dr. Y. Shantikumar Singh, Dr. L. Pungding and their team, with arrangements overseen by Dr. L. Santosh Singh.
In the Men’s Category, Pourimyibe Pame won the Gold Medal, followed by Elangbam Rakesh Singh with Silver and Yathem Zimik with Bronze. In the Women’s Category, Irom Bijaya Devi secured Gold, Umelly Mangshatabam took Silver and Athinin Davis won Bronze. The committee also recognised the top seven performers from both categories. Prizes for the Women’s Category were distributed by Registrar Prof. M. Premjit Singh, while the Vice-Chancellor handed out prizes for the Men’s Category. Other awards were presented by the presidium members.