Governor’s trophy for Heikru Hidongba likely by next year

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 2

From next year onwards there will be governor’s trophy where there will be boat racing competition, said the state’s governor Najma Heptullah who came to witness the annual Heikru Hidongba at Bijoy Govinda Thangapat, Sagolband here today. 

 Many people thronged the Thangapat moat at Sagolband to witness the annual sacred Heikru Hidongba boat race. This is the 239th Heikru Hidongba organised by Bijoy Govinda Sevayet Committee.

Briefing media persons at the sidelines of the programme, the governor announced that next year boat racing competition will become bigger by naming it as ‘Governor’s Trophy’. Heptullah who came to witness the programme expressed her happiness to be present at such a grand event of the Manipuri tradition and congratulated both the participant teams of the boat racing.

Southern side team led by Ph. Padmakumar of Takhellambam Leikai beat the Northern side team led by Salam Johnny of Salam Leikai in the boat race held today. About fourteen players participated in each team.

The winning team was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 5000 by Achom Kholendro and the runner’s up team was awarded by R.K. Roychand with Rs. 4000.  

Titular king, Leishemba Sanajaoba and acting chief justice of Manipur High Court, Justice N. Koteshwor attended the programme as special invitees.

The festival of Heikru Hodongba is performed at the moat of the Bijoy Govinda every year on the 11th day of the Manipuri calendar month of Langban with religious festivities.