The 2nd North East Para Sports Meet 2025, which was held at the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Nalapara Road, Sarusajai, Guwahati, since November 27, concluded today with Manipur’s para-athletes putting up an impressive show. Competing under the banner of the Para Olympic Committee of Assam, led by Chairperson Riniki Sharma Bhuyan and Organising Secretary Rajib Dey, the Manipur contingent secured 12 medals, including 8 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze.
Despite serious financial constraints caused by the ongoing conflict in Manipur, the state managed to send a 14-member team comprising 7 para-athletes, 5 officials, and 2 escorts to participate in the meet.
However, the most significant contribution came from the outstanding performance of Khwairakpam Joykumar Singh, who won a total of 5 gold medals in the F-12 category: Shotput, Discus Throw, Javelin Throw, 100 metres, and 200 meters.
Naorem Chanchan Devi, who participated in North East Para Sports Meet for the first time, swept 2 gold medals in 400 metres and Shotput events and 1 bronze medal in Long Jump.
In the category F-46/47, Md. Bahauddin, a defending champion, won 1 gold medal in the 400 meters, 1 silver medal in the 200 meters and 1 bronze medal in the 100 meters. Hirom Manoj Singh claimed 1 bronze in Shotput (F-40/41) while Naorem Soremendro Singh added another bronze in Badminton (SL-4).
Chief de-mission Dr. Kiran Yendrembam told the press that the team faced considerable hardship due to the ongoing crisis in Manipur. Long travel routes and high flight fares from Imphal to Guwahati created severe challenges that, she said, affected Manipur’s overall chances of winning the team championship.
She added that Manipur, while producing several Olympians and international athletes in various disciplines, still lacks proper facilities and policy support for the para-athletes. The para Olympic disciplines, she said, continue to be inadequately covered under the State’s Sports Code and Sports Policy, leading to their continued neglect. Dr Kiran has appealed for urgent steps to provide proper training facilities, financial assistance and institutional recognition to make it possible for para-athletes to compete with dignity.
At the event, Khwairakpam Joykumar Singh, a veteran para-athlete, expressed heartfelt motivation, stating that even without winning gold, he continued to remain proud to stand as a para-athlete. He described his javelin gold medal as an inspirational token and the perseverance for all other athletes facing adversity.
Dr. Kiran also expressed pride for the entire Manipur contingent and urged the authorities to extend sincere support to para-athletes so they could continue to achieve excellence at higher levels.