Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla today said district-level sporting events are crucial for identifying and nurturing future champions, while expressing hope that the District Olympic Games model would be replicated across all districts of Manipur to strengthen grassroots sports.
The Governor was addressing the closing ceremony of the 1st Bishnupur District Olympic Games 2026 at Chengei Lampak, Moirang. The five-day event, held from July 8 to 12 under the theme “One District, One Spirit, Khelo Bishnupur,” was jointly organised by the Bishnupur District Administration and the Bishnupur District Olympic Association.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the function as the Special Guest of Honour. Home and Youth Affairs & Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs Irengbam Nalini Devi, Thongam Shanti Singh and Tongbram Robindro Singh, Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, senior civil and police officials, and members of the public were also present.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said the inaugural District Olympic Games had successfully brought together young athletes from across Bishnupur to compete in 16 disciplines while promoting the values of discipline, perseverance, teamwork and excellence.
He congratulated the athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and organisers for the successful conduct of the Games.
Highlighting Manipur’s rich sporting legacy, Bhalla said the achievements of distinguished athletes from Bishnupur continue to inspire younger generations. He noted that grassroots competitions provide an important pathway for talented sportspersons to progress to the state, national and international levels.
The Governor observed that Thoubal had pioneered the district-level Olympic Games initiative, with Bishnupur becoming the second district to successfully organise the event. He expressed confidence that similar competitions across all districts would ensure that no sporting talent remains undiscovered. He also highlighted national initiatives such as Fit India and Khelo India, besides the contributions of the National Sports University and the North Eastern Council’s High-Level Sports Task Force in strengthening the region’s sporting ecosystem.
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said the District Olympic Games would promote healthy competition among athletes while serving as an effective platform for identifying and nurturing emerging talent. He said the initiative would help sportspersons from Manipur improve their performance and compete successfully at the national and international levels.
In a social media post after the event, the Chief Minister congratulated the organisers, athletes, officials, volunteers and spectators for making the inaugural edition of the Bishnupur District Olympic Games a success. He said the Games had provided a vibrant platform to promote grassroots sports, foster unity and encourage young sporting talent, adding that such initiatives would further strengthen Manipur’s rich sporting tradition.
The closing ceremony featured cultural performances, the finals of various sporting events and a band display by the Indian Army. The Governor, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries distributed trophies, medals and mementoes to winners across different disciplines.
