The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur, today began a two-day consultation to revise the state’s youth and sports development frameworks, with a focus on scientific talent identification, athlete welfare, skill development and wider opportunities for young people.
The consultation on the Manipur State Youth Policy, 2026, and Manipur State Sports Policy, 2026, is being held at the Canteen Hall of Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.
Addressing the inaugural session, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam said Manipur’s sporting legacy and the natural abilities of its youth required systematic support through scientific training, modern coaching and stronger institutions.
He recalled that the state’s first sports policy was drafted in 1992 in line with the National Sports Policy of 1984 and was subsequently revised in 2003 alongside the Youth Policy. Changing demands in sports and youth affairs, he said, had made another revision necessary.
Pointing to Manipur’s record of producing 19 Olympians, the minister said sustaining sporting success required scientific assessment of athletes, specialised training, sports medicine and modern coaching methods. He also referred to Khelo Bharat Niti, 2025, as a national-level development reinforcing the need to update the state’s sports framework.
The proposed sports policy seeks to establish an inclusive, athlete-centred system through scientific talent scouting, improved infrastructure, high-performance training, athlete welfare and transparent governance. It also prioritises gender equity, para sports, indigenous games and safe sporting environments.
Govindas said young people who failed to gain recognition in sports or other fields should receive career guidance, skill development and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods. He called for practical recommendations during the consultation, acknowledging the financial constraints facing the state.
Youth Affairs and Sports Secretary N. Praveen Singh stressed the need to integrate education and sports, saying better coordination between schools and sports institutions would help young athletes pursue academics alongside training. He said stakeholder consultations had been undertaken to ensure the policies reflected grassroots needs and the aspirations of young people.
Director of Youth Affairs and Sports Mayengbam Veto Singh said sports development needed to move beyond infrastructure and playgrounds to include talent identification, scientific training, athlete welfare and institutional support. He said views were being sought from sportspersons, coaches, administrators, sports journalists and other stakeholders, with public feedback also planned before the policies are finalised.
The proposed Youth Policy seeks to expand opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, leadership, health, sports, culture and digital empowerment while promoting self-reliance, social responsibility and social cohesion.
The consultation aims to identify gaps, gather stakeholder recommendations and establish practical frameworks for youth empowerment and sports development. Its effectiveness will depend on how the proposals are translated into programmes and implemented across the state.
Dronacharya Awardee L. Ibomcha Singh, Olympian N. Kunjarani Devi, departmental officers and other representatives of the sporting community attended the inaugural session.
