Trouble in Home fails to demoralize Manipuri sportspersons; shines at 37th National Games

Despite the doom and gloom in the violence-hit Manipur State roiled in ethnic conflict since May 3, 2023, Manipur clinched the 7th rank in the overall medal tally at the end of the 37th National Games 2023 hosted by Goa State, becoming the lone state from India’s Northeast States to secure a berth among the country’s top 10 States, followed by Assam in the 11th spot.
Manipur, the sports powerhouse of the Northeast region bagged an impressive total of 82 medals – 30 gold, 22 silver, 30 bronze – beating its previous record of 50 medals, clinching 20 gold, 10 silver, 20 bronze in the 36th National Games held at Gujarat.
The 37th National Games ended with much fanfare on Thursday in the coastal state with already eying for the 38th edition of the National Games which will be held at Uttarakhand next year.
Manipur this year saw a 560-strong contingent, including 406 players, 76 coaches, 56 team managers, 22 officials and others, representing the state in 25 disciplines, out of 44 disciplines in the National Games which kicked off on October 18.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh took to X and congratulated the Manipur contingent for the outstanding result and wrote, “Your hard work, dedication, and talent have not only brought glory to Manipur but also set a remarkable standard for sports in the Northeast. This achievement not only marks Manipur’s presence among the top 7 states but also inspires aspiring athletes across the region. May this success be a stepping stone for even greater accomplishments in the future!”
“The overall performance at the 37th National Games with 30-Gold, 22-Silver and 31-Bronze is a remarkable achievement” said Th. Radheshyam, President of Manipur Olympic Association.
“The hard work of all the players, dedication by the coaches and managers need to be recognized. Upgradation of modern equipment and scientific training is the need of hour. The last Gujarat National Games was tough and we won 20-Gold, 10-Silver and 20-Bronze. The 38th Edition of National Games in October-November, 2024 in Uttrakhand is our focus. The North East Olympic Games being hosted by Nagaland will be held next year in Dimapur and Chumukedima”, added Th. Radheshyam.
MLA RK Imo wrote in social media, “even during such tough times, our Sportspersons have made the State of Manipur proud by winning 82 Medals in total with 30 of them being Gold in the recent 37th National Games. Manipur has been a sporting powerhouse and we will continue to strive for more in future. Congratulations to all the Athletes for making the whole State proud.
To encourage and promote cricket in the State, the Manipur Cricket Association will send 8 upcoming registered cricketers from Manipur to watch the Semi-Final Match of the ICC Cricket World Cup at Eden Gardens Kolkata on 16th November. 8 such players will be selected randomly through a draw in the presence of MNCA officials today and allow them to travel to Kolkata free of cost to watch the World Cup. Manipur Cricket will also be donating blankets and other items to people staying in the Relief Camps across the State”.