Imphal, Dec 3: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said that we need to unearth the inner potential and talents in the field of sports of the State and explore it to the world. This was stated by him at the closing function of the 11th Jadonang Memorial Football Tournament 2017 held at THAU Sports Complex, Thangmeiband, Imphal West.
Speaking as Chief Guest of the function, Chief Minister said that sports helps in building real human relations and there is no religion, caste, creed etc in sports. Sports have a great value in promoting peace in the world, he added. Chief Minister said that the government is trying its level best to complete the ongoing construction of various sports complex in the hill districts of the State. According to the recent initiative taken up by the Government of India, playing fields and playgrounds would be developed in each and every village to encourage sports in the country, he added.
Stating that football is becoming popular these days, Chief Minister urged the Organising Committee of the tournament to organise the tournament at large scale such as National level so that the tournament would have maximum exposure in the country. Mentioning the demand made by the Zeliangrong Union for the construction of Sports Complex, Chief Minister suggested the Union to look for a suitable site for the construction of the complex and Government would extend every possible help for the construction of sports complex. On the occasion, Chief Minister said that the Government would have a concrete discussion with the locals of the Thangmeiband area for the development of THAU ground such as construction of Roofing, Pavilion and Astroturf etc.
Chief Minister stated that the Kabuis inhabited in the valley areas of the State were very active in terms of sports including football etc. Earlier, large number of players belonging to Zeliangrong community represented in various clubs during different tournaments of the State. However such representation has been decreasing since many years, he added. Chief Minister said that the reason behind the decreasing number of players from the community might be the non-availability of playgrounds and fields in the locality.
On the occasion, Chief Minister extended monetary assistance of Rs. 50,000 to the Organising Committee of the tournament.
Addressing the Presidential address of the function, MLA Gaikhangam appealed the organising Committee to think of expanding the tournament at the National level scale and it should not be confined only to Zeliangrong community of the State. He further said that it is indeed true that Haiphou Jadonang was born in Zeliangrong Community but he represents as a symbol of patriotism of human kind.
Former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam, MLA Tamenglong AC Samuel Jendai, Former Minister Dr. Kh. Loken Singh, Former MLA Janghemlung Panmei, Vice President of BJP Shri Jyotin Waikhom, President Zeliangrong Football Association Gaipuijai Golmei, President Zeliangrong Union Amu Kamei attended the function.
The final match of the tournament was played between Langthabal Chingthak Rongmei Club (LCRC) and Keishamthong Kabui Football Club (KKFC). The tournament is being organised by Zeliangrong Football Association.
Need to unearth our potential in sports and explore it to the world: Chief Minister
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