Manipur observed National Sports Day 2026 with a series of sporting activities at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, commemorating the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
The State-level programme was organised by the Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Department at the Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium and Hockey Astro Turf Ground under the theme “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat.”
Govindas Konthoujam, YAS and Home Minister attended the programme along with eminent sportspersons, Padma Shri and Arjuna Award recipients, Olympians, senior officials of the YAS Department, coaches and departmental staff.
Participants paid floral tribute to Major Dhyan Chand by offering flowers to his portrait during the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Govindas Konthoujam highlighted Major Dhyan Chand’s contribution to Indian hockey and recalled his role in helping India win three Olympic gold medals in hockey.
He said National Sports Day has been observed across the country since 2012 to commemorate the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player.
The Minister said the observance is intended not only to promote sports but also to encourage people to maintain physical fitness, develop discipline and dedication, and foster a spirit of unity and togetherness. He urged people to remain physically active and pursue their respective sporting disciplines with commitment.
He also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and extend cooperation towards the proper maintenance and development of the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.
As part of the celebration, 5-km and 21-km marathon events were organised in the morning from the vicinity of the Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium. More than 500 athletes participated in the two events.
Two exhibition hockey matches, featuring men’s and women’s teams, were subsequently played at the Khuman Lampak Hockey Astro Turf Ground as part of the National Sports Day celebrations.
Also, National Sports Day 2026 was observed today under the theme “Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein”, organized by the Kakching District Yogasana Sports Association at its head office in the Chumnang Leikai Community Hall, Kakching Chumnang Leikai Deepa Pareng.
During the programme, members and instructors of the Kakching District Yogasana Sports Association participated in a one-hour session performing various Yoga disciplines and exercises.
The Department of Sports Medicine, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, also celebrated National Sports Day 2026 today under the theme “Sports Science and Innovation: Building Champions, Inspiring the Nation” at the Sports Science Lab of the Department of Sports Medicine, RIMS, Imphal.
The programme was graced by Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma, Director, RIMS, Imphal, in the presence of Prof. N. Sanjib Singh, Medical Superintendent, RIMS; Dr. Yumnam Ningthemba Singh, Associate Professor and Head (i/c), Department of Sports Medicine; Dr. Yumnam Nandabir Singh, Retired Professor, Department of Sport Medicine: and Naorem Roshibina Devi, Arjuna Awardee (Wushu), and Ariha Pangambam, Asian Gold Medallist in Aerobic Gymnastics, who were invited as distinguished guests.
A video highlighting the progress and achievements of the Department of Sports Medicine was screened, followed by the felicitation of renowned sportspersons for their outstanding contributions. The sportspersons also shared their experiences and motivated the younger generation to pursue sports with dedication and discipline.
