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Seventh Mega marathon organized

Mega Marathon participants waiting to start the race.

IMPHAL, Feb 17: The 7th edition of the Mega Marathon was organised today by the United People’s Front (UPF) participated by over 20,000 runners in Imphal.
The education minister M. Okendro said, besides sports ,art and culture which identifies Manipur in the world, the present govt is trying not to depend food grains and others on other states. To have a good society, a nation should be healthy. Let us unite for a peaceful society.
He was speaking as chief guest at the reception of those athletes who had completed seventh mega marathon organized by united people’s Front at Khuman Lampak today.
People from Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Karnataka and Bihar conglomerated at Imphal’s Khuman Lampak Main Stadium this morning ar around 8 am for the event where Manipur deputy chief minister Gaikhangam flagged off.
The event was sponsored by Aircel under the theme, “Run for your nation, Run the Mega Marathon.
The runners covered around 22 kilometres in the streets of Imphal.
In the men’s category, 25 years old Thounaojam Sanjit Luwang of Yairipok Bishnu Naha (Manipur), s/o Ibohal Luwang secured the first position. He is also the winner of the 2009, 2011 and 2012 editions.
He completed covered the distance today in 1 hour, 4 minutes and 49 secionds. Md Abid, 24, s/o Md Saras Ahmad secured the second position. He hails from Lilong Heinaomakhong (Manipur).
Md Abid took 1 hour, 5 minutes and 19 seconds.
The third winner is from Nagaland’s Tuensang district. His name is Pache Khiam (21) s/o Sekou. He took 1 hour, 5 minutes and 21 seconds.
In the women category, Sagolsem Premila (28), d/o S Yaima of Yairipok Kekru (Manipur) secured the first position. She took 1 hour, 24 minutes and 14 seconds to cover the distance.
Waheeda of Lilong Turel Ahanbi (Manipur) secured the second position while Meena Rasi secured the third position.
Meanwhile, in both the categories, Rs 30,000 each was given to the first position holders, Rs 20,000 each to the second position holders while Rs 15,000 each was given to the third position holders.
In addition to this, proprietor of Modern Furniture, Imphal awarded each one of the 6 position holders with Rs 5,000.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/seventh-mega-marathon-organized/

Bomb thrown at pharmacy

IMPHAL, Feb 16 MNS NNN: A hand grenade thrown at Navjivan Pharmacy in Thangal bazaar in the heart of Imphal failed to explode on Saturday.
The incident happened around 2:15 pm when an unidentified person suspected to be a militant entered the Navjivan Pharmacy and hurled the hand grenade which bounced off and hit a glass rack.
City police only said the explosive device failed to explode. It was thrown and landed inside the shop, but due to a malfunction it failed to explode. However, the igniter caused the bomb to flare-up and start the fuse burning.
The police said it was a Chinese hand grenade.
Three persons, including the owner of the shop, one customer and two salesmen were inside the shop when the incident took place.
Rajen Jain, 50, the owner of the shop is a native of Rajasthan. He presently stays at Thangal bazaar. He has not received any monetary demand note from any militant organization, reports said.
No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the failed attack.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bomb-thrown-at-pharmacy/

Red sandle wood, drugs seized

Red sandal wood seized at Moreh by AR

Mail News Service
Imphal, Feb 16 : Troops of 9 Assam rifles under HQ 26 Sector Assam rifles /HQ IGAR (South) yet again prevented the smuggling of illegal substances and ceased the movement of such items across the border via Moreh and surrounding areas.
On Feb 16 based on specific intelligence report received from reliable source regarding smuggling of huge quantity of illegal red sandal wood from India to Myanmar via Moreh.
Troops of 9 assam rifles launched a search operation in general area ward no 2, Moreh chandel district . During the course of search operation in general area ward no 2 Moreh
Troops of 9 Assam Rifles saw some persons moving towards international border with heavy head loads .on being challenged . the persons abandoned the heavy loads behind the international border and managed to escape across the border (Myanmar side ) taking the advantages of the thick jungle along the Indo-Myanmar border . On further search of the area the troops recovered illegal red sander wood weighing about 2500 kg.
The cost of the recovered unclaimed red sander wood isabout Rs 1.5. crore .
The recovered unclaimed red sander wood being handed over to office of the divisional forest officer Tengnoupal forest division Government of Manipur for further proceedings . The large recovery of illegal red sander wood is sure to come as a severe blow to the persons involver in such illegal trade which will discourage these unauthorized activities .
A large amount of narcotic pseudo ephedrine drugs worth around Rs 1.30 crore has been seized by a team of Imphal East District Police yesterday morning at Mantripukhri.
Police said the large amount of consignment drugs of pseudo ephedrine hydrochloride and Cetirizine hydrochloride tablets was seized from a goods loaded truck with its registration number AS 01/DD/0957 around 11:30 am while checking vehicles at Mantripukhri along National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur road).
The truck was transporting the drugs packed in nine different cartons to Imphal from Guwahati when they intercepted it, the police said. The number of strips of the seized tablets was 4, 32, 000, K Rajen, Additional Superintendent of Police, Imphal East, said while briefing the media at his office chamber on Saturday.
It would cost around Rs 1.30 crore in the local market, he said.
Three people, including the driver and the handyman of the truck has been taken into custody in connection with the drugs seizure, he said.
He identified the driver as Md Warish Khan, 23, and the handyman as Md Manjit, 18, both residents of Thoubal district’s Hayel Loubuk Mayai Leikai. They are said to be brothers.
The third man who was travelling in the truck along with them has been identified as Md Ithembi, 32, a resident of Thoubal Hayel Loubuk Awang Leikai.
Heingang Police Station has filed an FIR case.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/red-sandle-wood-drugs-seized/

KYKL MDF Athouba leaders signing MoU with representatives of State and Central Govt.

KCP Lamphel leaders signing MoU with representatives of State and Central Govt.

URF leaders signing MoU with representatives of State and Central Govt.

All American baseball and softball coaching camp in Imphal

Imphal, MNS: The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) teamed-up with Major League Baseball Hall-of-Famer Barry Larkin and Olympian Natasha Watley as U.S. sports envoys to India, reaching Manipur on February 13. ECA designed its first-ever joint baseball and softball program to encourage youth participation in sports in collaboration with Major League Baseball and USA Softball. Joseph (Joe) Logan, a former player with the Montreal Expos organization and coach of the Orlando Reds Baseball Club in the U.S. accompanied Larkin and Watley.
Sports diplomacy builds on the U.S. Department of State’s public diplomacy efforts. This particular U.S. Consulate Kolkata outreach embraces the use of baseball and softball to bring people together, foster greater understanding, and empower youth worldwide. At the press conference on February 13 and throughout the exchange, local media in Manipur was briefed on how sports can play into the development of academic, leadership, and teamwork skills.
The sports envoys’ fast-paced schedule of activities in Imphal include leading baseball clinics for coaches and youth groups and a softball coaching camp for women at Imphal’s Khuman Lampak Sports Complex from February 13 to 15. Over 200 young people will participate in the various camps and a series of practice games. During the coaching camps Joe Logan, Barry Larkin and Natasha Watley will also interact with local sports administrators, players, Manipur Baseball Association, Manipur Softball Association and NGOs, including First Pitch, that promote youth sports opportunities and academic success.
On her first trip to Imphal, Dy Dir American Center, Rachel Sunden also visited the Manipur Institute of Management Studies in MU on Wednesday, where she spoke to management students on higher education opportunities in the US and strengthening Indo-US relations through cultural exchange. Ms. Sunden also met with Binalakshmi Nepram founder of Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network and the writer-activist’s associates of the disarmament movement, visiting Women Gun Survivors’ weaving sites at Malom and Leirenjam Village. Underscoring the U.S. Consulate Kolkata’s support to the global movement of One Billion Rising, Ms Sunden is also scheduled to attend the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network’s commemoration of the day by joining in the celebrations of Manipuri Women Rise to End Violence Against Women on Feb 14 at Hotel Classic.

Tripartite talk held at Senapati

S. Jaiyaraman, Special Secretary on Internal Security, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) talking to the media after the fifth round of talks on Nagas ‘Alternative Arrangement’ demand at Senapati on Tuesday.

SENAPATI, Feb 12 NNN: The 5th round of formal ‘tripartite talks’ involving the United Naga Council (UNC), Manipur and Central Governments was held at Senapati district headquarters on Tuesday.
However, the theme of the talks i.e. the ‘Alternative Arrangement’ was not discussed.
The Naga leaders said they had clearly submitted the line of their aspiration to the government of India but today’s talk had not gone to that extent.
The Naga leaders have said if this attitude of the government is displayed in the next round of talks, they will go back to the people, hinting that serious agitations will be initiated.
However, the Naga leaders had conveyed that in the next round of talks it should be at the ‘political level’.
Meanwhile, in today’s talks, S Jaiyaraman, Internal Security Special Secretary and Sambhu, Joint Secretary (NE) of Union Home Ministry represented the Government of India while Manipur Government was represented by Chief Secretary DS Poonia, Additional Chief Secretary Ameising Luikham, Prinicipal Secretary (Home) DR J Suresh Babu.
UNC was represented by its president L Adani, vice president TS Warngam, general secretary Gaidon Kamei, former UNC chief KS Paul Leo, Asinpao Gangmei and four other members in the talks.
Senapati district Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jha, Superintendent of Police Pushpanjali and Commandant, 59th Mountain Bragadier also took part in it.
“The outcome of the talks was positive,” Chief Secretary DS Poonia told journalists after the meeting wherein the three sides focused on devolution of power to the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) to bring development in the hill areas of Manipur.
The meeting also discussed on development in various fields like education, health, SSA, RMSA and banks in the entire hill area at par with the valley, the Chief Secretary said.
Responding to a media query, Poonia said that the talks did not discuss about the “Alternative Arrangement” of the Naga people outside Manipur Government pending a solution to the Naga political problem.
Internal Security Special Secretary Jaiyaraman said that during the exchanges he expressed his desire to let Manipur Government to properly complete all the developmental works being taken up in the hill areas.
He, however, said the proposal of the UNC for an Alternative Arrangement for the Nagas must be decided by the Manipur Government and the Constitution.
The schedule for the next round of the tripartite talks would be decided after due consultations with the higher authorities, he said.
Naga leader KS Paul Leo said that today’s talks contradicted the 4th round of tripartite talks held on August 31, 2012 in New Delhi, but he admitted that certain unclear thing was there in the talks as Jaiyaraman took part in it for the first time.
The UNC is concerned about a political issue and hence it wants to hold talks on its demands with political leaders and not other officials of both the Manipur and Central Governments.
He said UNC demands for an Alternative Arrangement for the Naga people to safeguard their culture and identity and arrangement of separate legislature, administration, judiciary and finance for the Naga people.
“We have no bias on any particular community, but we cannot live under the rule of Chief Minister O Ibobi ,Leo said.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary D.S Poonia strongly opposed the idea of destroying the territorial integrity of Manipur, Leo cited.
Saying that Manipur has an area of 22, 238 Sq km and of this, the hill area covers 20, 000 sq km while about 2238 by the valley, he asked whether the Government wants only to heed to the wishes of the valley.
At the same time, the hill is represented by 20 MLAs while 40 by the valley in the 60-member state assembly, he said while alleging that such uneven representation of the people has led to the dominance of the hill by the valley.
Paul Leo alleged that Manipur Government has neglected the hill people for a long time and vowed that the UNC would continue to struggle for fulfillment of the aspiration of the Naga people with their mandate and that would be the final destination even if the Centre chooses to continue with its apathy toward them.
UNC had in the 4th round of tripartite talks urged the Government of India that the Nagas want that the Indo-Naga issue be settled at the earliest, apart from the demand for an Alternative Arrangement outside Government of Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tripartite-talk-held-at-senapati/

Troupe of Rhythms of Manipur presenting a musical performance at Greek Theatre, Singapore Flyer

Troupe of Rhythms of Manipur presenting a musical performance at
Greek Theatre, Singapore Flyer

Observance of 26th foundation day of MPA / UNLF

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/observance-of-26th-foundation-day-of-mpa-unlf/

Armed, democratic movements to go on to achieve goal : UNLF

Mail News Service
Imphal, Feb 8 : Feb 9 is the 26th foundation day of Manipur People’s Army (MPA) armed wing of UNLF. Khundongbam Pamheiba, Acting Chairman of Military Affairs Committee, UNLF said due to the support extended by the people the organization is able to continue the struggle. People’s power can change the decide the fate of a nation and move it towards the right direction he said.
Factors of ‘Critical dependency’ should be identified and when a collective decision is taken and good relations maintained with people a revolution will become successful he further said. He further said that the mode of struggle is not decided by the UNLF but the ways India acts. Armed struggle and democratic means will be adopted to achieve the ends he said.
He further announced that the organization will formulate the necessary powers, training, weapons, political works, military action to achieve the goal. He said in 2012 UNLF-MPA achieved successes and cited examples of attack on CRPF at Aishi, Kamjong, Ukhrul, attack on AR at Kwatha Khunou Lamkhai, attack on AR and 143 CRPF at Porompat.
He seek forgiveness for the incident of 29 Sep 2012 at Kwatha in which two persons deied and on 28 Dec at Konkhan in which another two died. Such incidents will always be remembered by revolutionaries as unfortunate and shocking incidents he said. He also greeted all in Manipur and WESIA on the occasion.

NIT team meets RPN Singh

MoS Home, R.P.N. Singh with 25 students from Manipur, in New Delhi on Feb

A team of 25 students from Manipur met MoS Home Affairs , R P N Singh here today. Singh welcomed them and said that it will
help students in understanding this vast country. He also said that by such tours these children will learn how our country is moving forward with diversity. The Minister hoped that these children will become ambassadors of change in the society.
The team is on a National Integration tour being conducted by Assam Riffles to promote harmony and awareness. The tour is aimed at enhancing and integrating the youth to the
nation and promoting concept of unity in diversity. These students are also visiting other historical places in Delhi alongwith Dehradun, Mussorie and some other cities.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nit-team-meets-rpn-singh/

Permanent solution to Naga problem soon : Sonia Gandhi

DIMAPUR, Feb 7 NNN: “Now we have the opportunity for the permanent resolution to the long standing Naga political problem, which is honourable and acceptable. We will finalise the agreement as soon as possible.”
This was the comment of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi during her election campaign rallies in Nagaland today.
Sonia Gandhi first flew in to Mokokchung in the morning, addressed a mommmoth rally there and reached the Nagaland commercial hub Dimapur at around 2:30 pm and addressed another mammoth gathering asking the “my dear brothers and sisters of Nagaland” to teach a lesson to the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government.
The AICC president said the Congress party is the only party that understands the “special circumstances prevail in Nagaland”. She said the Congress party was the one that had introduced the Article 371 which protects the Naga identity, culture, tradition and practices. Sonia Gandhi also said that the Congress party was the one that had first invited the NSCN-IM for talks. “And the talks are continuing till today,” she added.
Meanwhile, accusing the NPF led Nagaland government of corrupt filled, Sonia Gandhi said the people of Nagaland has been “less fortunate” to have the DAN government in the last ten years. “I hope the people of Nagaland are now ready for a change,” the UPA government expressed, adding, “Now is the time for the people of Nagaland to bring true development,” Sonia Gandhi said. She then terms the ten years NPF-led DAN government as “dark period” of Nagaland. “The UPA government has been pouring in huge amount of money for health care, agriculture, electricity, tourism etc., etc., but where have the money gone?” the UPA chairperson questions. She said the DAN government did not use the money for the betterment of Nagaland. “You must ask the Rs 89 crores for tourism. Where is that money? What had happened to the Rs 200 something crores meant for rural electrification? They have all gone to the pockets of individuals. These are just few examples,” Sonia Gandhi revealed. She also said the young people too are fed up with these corruptions.
Sonia Gandhi then said special packages for development will be given to the area of Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO). “ENPO area will receive special packages,” said Sonia Gandhi. She continues to assure that the Congress government will immediately take up roads, rural development and unemployment. She then said, “We have always stood for stability. My dear brothers and sisters of Nagaland, make a wise choice when you go to vote on February 23.” Gandhi said the Congress party was unwavering in solving the Naga problem and was conscious of the circumstances prevailing in Nagaland.
She said the Congress Government would preserve the Naga identity which has been enshrined in Article 371 of the Constitution that protects the Naga tradition, land and resources, she said.
Referring to the election manifesto of NPCC, the Congress president said the party will implement what it has promised to the people.
Today’s election campaign rally was attended by Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Nabam Tuki, AICC secretary in-charge of North East Luizinho Faleiro, former Union minister for Information and Broadcasting Soni Ambika, former Nagaland chief minister KL Chisi, NPCC president S.I. Jamir and other local Congress leaders.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/permanent-solution-to-naga-problem-soon-sonia-gandhi/

45 UPPK cadres come out for talks

UPPK cadres who laid down their arms on Monday at an AR camp

Mail News Service
Imphal, Feb 4 : Assam Rifles has been able to bring ,active group of Corcom to the peace table said a press hand out issued by HQ IGARS.The final curtain to the long ongoing negotiations which started in month of Nov 2012 with the UPPK was brought down on 4 Feb 2013, with 45 cadres with 36 weapons walking into the folds of peace process
initiated by the Assam Rifles. Important leaders of the outfit including chairman of UPPK were extricated from various places and brought to Manipur to initiate peace process . UPPK coming out of the umbrella body of CorCom and choosing to enter into peace talks has far reaching implications and will open a floodgate for other cadres and even the insurgent groups based across who now stand emboldened
to follow what their heart it was added. All possible pre-requisite was assured and provided by the State Govt, which led to successful negotiation with UPPK.
Cor Com had earlier expelled the UPPK from it. Meanwhile a statement issued by Central Committee said talks are not feasible. UPPK and its military wing Kangleipak People’s Army (KPA) will not hold talks.
Advisor Meisnam Biren, former Chairman Bonbihari, External Affairs Secy, Kritibabi, Laishram Ranjit ran away from UPPK and later in suspicious manner, Ningthoujam Shanti, Gen
Secy, Langpoklakpam Inaocha, Finance Secy and Orgn Secy Konthoujam Homeshwor were apprehended. The vacant posts were filled up. Acting Chairman will also look after posts
of Gen Secy, Home Secy, Poirei Mangang, Dy Finance Secy cum Dy Ext Affairs Secy, Konthou Defence Secy, Chief of Army Staff Lakpa, Dy Org Secy, Maj America, Information and Publicity Officer were the new office bearers.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/45-uppk-cadres-come-out-for-talks/

First woman VC from Manipur

IMPHAL, Feb 2: A Manipuri lady has become the youngest lady vice-chancellor of a university in India.
Vice-Chancellor of Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women’s University of Jaipur, Dr.Thoudam Prabha Devi from the state of Manipur has become the youngest lady Vice-Chancellor in India besides being the first ever lady who holds the high profile post from Manipur.
The 40 year old lady is the daughter of Th.Brajamani Singh of Naharup Makha Pat Awang Leikai of Imphal East district.
She joined the private University in 2008 as a professor and was finally chosen as the Vice Chancellor of the University after getting promoted initially to the position of Dean.
The lady started her teaching career from Nirmalabas High School, Imphal and then after few years she started teaching in many colleges and universities including Baptist College at Nagaland and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi.Meanwhile, Dr Thoudam Prabha Devi said she had passed out her 10th standard from Tamphasana Girls’ Higher Secondary, Imphal and pre-university degree from Modern College, Imphal.
She also said that she took the degree of B.Com and M.Com from Osmania University, Hyderabad and Manipur University, Imphal respectively where she also had done the Ph.d from the later university.
Contented Dr Prabha Devi revealed that the university where she currently works emphasized on the women empowerment through higher education.Starting from this year, five ladies from the State who deserve the essential criteria but cannot afford to learn would be allowed free of cost to study at the university every year through her contact. It is also a very safe learning place for women with low fees and admission fees, she added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/first-woman-vc-from-manipur/

Women of Lamlongei locality of Imphal East district apprising local MLA Y Erabot to prevent those people from taking mud/earth from the hill-lock of the locality—–Photo NNN

Prof N. Tombi Singh birth anniversary

Prof N. Tombi Singh (February 2, 1927 – May 6, 2001) Founder Editor, Manipur Mail Former Member of Parliament 5th, 6th, 8th and 9th Lok Sabha Former Education Minister, Govt. of Manipur Remembering you and your ideals on your birth anniversary Family members, well wishers.

Prof N. Tombi Singh
(February 2, 1927 – May 6, 2001)
Founder Editor, Manipur Mail

Prof N. Tombi Singh birth anniversary

Former Member of Parliament
5th, 6th, 8th and 9th Lok Sabha
Former Education Minister, Govt. of Manipur
Remembering you and your ideals on your birth anniversary
Family members, well wishers.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/prof-n-tombi-singh-birth-anniversary/

National Integration Tour Flagged In At Somsai

Participants of NIT at Somsai

MNS:- A National Integration Tour (NIT) from Chassad/Kamjong to Hyderabad was organised by 44 Assam Rifles of 10 Sector under HQ IGAR (South) from 14 Jan 2013 to 31 January 2013. This tour, comprising of 21 school children and 3 teachers hailing from diversified background of Kamjong Sub Division, Ukhrul District of Manipur, was Flagged In by Brig A K Pandey, VSM, Commander 10 Sector Assam Rifles at Somsai on 31 January 2013. During the Flagging In ceremony, the Commander interacted with participants of the NIT.
The Chassad/Kamjong to Hyderabad NIT was an endeavor by Assam Rifles to wean away the youth from taking the path of militancy and make the people realise importance of peace for overall development of the area which will further lead to prosperity and better opportunities for the people of this region.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/national-integration-tour-flagged-in-at-somsai/

Gangmumei joins BJP

Gangmumei Kamei founder President Federal Party and former Cabinet Minister joined BJP today. He was welcomed by party President Th Chaoba and appointed him as State Executive member.

Gangmumei Kamei who joined BJP With BJP Chief Th Chaoba at BJP office

Gangmumei Kamei founder President Federal Party and former Cabinet Minister joined BJP today. He was welcomed by party President Th Chaoba and appointed him as State Executive member.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gangmumei-joins-bjp/

National Canoe Sprint Championship

MNS:- Governor, Gurbhachan Jagat today inaugurated 23rd National Canoe Sprint Championship, 2012-13 at the newly developed Water Sports Complex at Komlakhong. Addressing the function he said, “Canoeing and Kayaking is a fairly new sport in Manipur with the Association formed in 1995. But during the short period, it has been able to produce about 33 International paddlers besides five National coaches. This shows that the Association is active and works hard towards the development of the sport in the State. We now have two water sports complex, one at Takmu and one here. As developing and maintaining such complexes are costly, I wonder whether Manipur can sustain the two complexes. However, I hope that the facilities available are fully utilised by the Association and the paddlers.
He congratulated the State Association for their efforts in organizing this Championship and and thanked the National Federation for awarding this Championship to Manipur. He expressed good wishes to the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dr. Kh. Ratankumar Singh, Minister (Works & Transport) and his team for the initiative and the onerous responsibility of not only developing this Complex but also for acquiring new boats and paddles for this Championship.
This Championship, is being participated in by about 700 paddlers from about 20 teams and for Manipur it is no easy thing to provide accommodation to them. He said sufficient accommodations is provided so that the paddlers can concentrate on the competition. Manipur, because of its location, does not have much opportunity to conduct National level Championships, but this year this is the third discipline in which Manipur has conducted National Level Championships. He thanked all the participants for their coming to Manipur to compete. It must be realized that any team from Manipur has to travel the tiring journey for every competition held. Spreading the championships across the country provides an avenue for the sportspersons to know every part of the country, which will bring better understanding among different communities. This championship, he hoped will provide an impetus to our young paddlers and motivation to specialize in canoeing and kayaking and will also attract more youth towards this sport. As everyone is aware, the field of sports has become very competitive and every discipline has to compete with other disciplines not only for spectators but also for competitors. Some games have large followings, but other games are also growing at a fast pace. The objective is to attract more for better competition, leading even to amendments to the rules to make it more competitive and attractive.Works minister Ratankumar also made a speech at the function. He said, “My connection with Canoeing and Kayaking dates back to 2009 when the first state Canoeing and Kayaking Championship was organized.”
He said, since then, he had been the chairman of all the state championships.
“I have thrilled with this adventurous and Olympic sport. I dream of this sport to bring in this lesser known part of the famous Loktak Lake, the largest fresh water lake of Northeast India.”
He said driving forces behind his dreams were T Dushanta Singh, organising secretary of the 23rd National Canoe Sprint Championship, IS Bindra, former president, IKCA and BS Khushawa, secretary general, IKCA.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/national-canoe-sprint-championship/