IMPHAL, February 23: An inter-community indigenous games of Mukna and Thouri Chingbi, organised by the Purum Area Youth Development Organisation, kicked off today at Purum Khullen in Senapati district with `Unity & Love`™ as its theme. The two-day indigenous games is being held for the first time to bring communal harmony within the state, said AMUCO vice-president Khellen during his speech as a guest of honour at the opening function.
Expressing his concern on many youths of the State abusing drugs, he said if the youths concentrate on sports then the future of the State will be strong. He added that it was high time to educate people on the evils of drugs from the grass-roots level.
The All Tribal Students Union, Manipur president Emboi Serto, who attended the event as the chief guest, lauded PAYDO for organising such an event to develop inter-community relationships in the State while declaring the indigenous games meet open.
Talking to the media at the sidelines of the inaugural function, ATSUM finance secretary Hemang Haokip said the indigenous games of wrestling and tug-of-war have been played for many decades but unfortunately the younger generation are ignoring them.
He also appreciated the organisers for making an effort to revive the age-old indigenous games of the State.
He said Manipur has more than 30 tribes and these tribes must co-operate to bring unity in the State. It is an opportunity for different communities and tribes to communicate and exchange their ideas through sports, he added.
He called for showcasing more distinctive indigenous games with full traditional attires in the next edition, and upgrading the games into the District or State level.
The inaugural function was presided over by the chief of Purum Khullen, SK David. The locals of Purum Khullen and nearby villagers watched the indigenous games with enthusiasm.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/intercommunity-indigenous-games-meet-kicks-off/