2nd North East Para Sports Meet 2025 inaugurated; Dr. Kiran highlights travel challenges for Athletes

The inaugural function of the 2nd North East Para Sports Meet 2025, scheduled from 27 to 29 November, was held today at the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium in Sarusajai, Guwahati. The event is set to host around 700 para-athletes from across the North Eastern states.
From Manipur, the Chief de Mission is Dr. Kiran Yendrembam, a social activist, assisted by Kangjam Birendra Singh, President of the Manipur Para Olympic Association, and GA Anjan Sharma. Manipur is fielding 19 participants, including 7 para-athletes and 5 officials.
During the inaugural function, the welcome address was given by Shri Rajib Dey, Organising Secretary. It was also attended by Smt. Nandita Gorlosa, Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare; Smt. Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, Organising President; Ramesh Chandra Jain, Chairman of SEBA (IAS); Ankur Bharali, Director of Sports and Youth Welfare; Dr. R. Biswakumar, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Sikkim; and Zariu Hussian, Chief Managing Editor of News Live, as Chief Guest, President and Guests of Honour.
Chief de Mission Dr. Kiran Yendrembam said that continuous National Highway restrictions, skyrocketing air ticket prices, and a lack of sponsorship support are factors making it difficult for para-athletes to go to Guwahati.
According to her, in spite of advisories given by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, to regulate airfare by airlines, there are still very high prices of air tickets, which is affecting not only the confidence but also the preparedness of the athletes.
According to Dr. Kiran, even during the period of President’s Rule, travel problems persisted, but the present escalation in airfare has become a formidable barrier. She underlined that Manipur is still excelling in sports at both national and international levels, earning recognition as India’s Sports Hub, and it would be sad if logistical barriers stopped athletes from showing their talent.
The Manipur contingent, which was represented by 11 sportspersons during the previous edition of the North East Para Sports Meet, produced an impressive performance in securing 5 gold, 5 silver, and 2 bronze medals totaling 12 medals. According to Dr. Kiran, the contingent wants to surpass the previous tally and win at least 12 medals this year.