IT News
Imphal, May 26:
The All Manipur Hockey United Club, also known as Hockey Legend, conducted its second Annual General Body Meeting (GBM) on Sunday, May 26, 2024. The event, hosted by the Kongpal Chanam Leikai Development Organisation (KCDO), was held at their Library Hall with the theme “Hockey Development for the Future in Manipur.”
Prominent attendees included Indian hockey Olympian Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, retired DSP A. Khelendro Singh (Manipur Police), W. Prem Singh (President, Kontha Ahallup), and Toijam Biren Singh (General Secretary, KCDO). Discussions during the meeting primarily addressed the critical challenges hindering the development of hockey in the state.
Members raised significant concerns about financial barriers and the lack of infrastructure. A. Khelendro Singh highlighted the financial burdens placed on players, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. He noted the rising costs of equipment, such as standard hockey sticks, and the troubling trend of players having to self-sponsor their participation in tournaments. Additionally, the shortage of playable hockey grounds was identified as a major obstacle.
Chinglensana Singh Kangujam emphasized the crucial role of local clubs in grooming players in the state. He pointed out that dedicated local clubs, rather than district-level bodies, are essential for nurturing Manipur’s exceptional hockey talent, helping players achieve national and international success.
Several members expressed concern over the fragmentation within state-level hockey bodies representing Manipur for both men and women. They criticized the restrictions placed on players and their affiliated clubs that chose not to associate with a specific body, attributing these issues to financial and political interests. This fragmentation was seen as detrimental to player well-being and the future of hockey in the state. Additionally, members identified a lack of transparency and timely information sharing by those responsible for developing the game as a significant concern.
The GBM concluded with resolutions aimed at revitalizing hockey in Manipur. These included establishing a financial pool to assist players and actively seeking sponsorships, advocating for the development of modern hockey grounds under the existing government playground development scheme, and organizing frequent hockey tournaments for both men and women across various age groups, hosted by Hockey Legend in collaboration with the concerned state hockey authority.
The meeting also resulted in the election of new office bearers for Hockey Legend, with Soraisham Ratan Meitei elected as President, Akoijam Surjit Meitei as General Secretary, Lisam Shyamchand as CEO, and Akoijam Jit as Treasurer.
