Our Correspondent
SENAPATI, Dec 31: The Mao Students' Union Olympics 2023 drew to a close on Sunday with the closing ceremony held at Chakremei Football Ground, Senapati.
The ceremony was attended by Athikho Chalai, Principal Accountant General of Manipur as the chief guest; A Kapani, Caretaker Chairman of Autonomous District Council Senapati as the guest of honour and Losii Dikho, MLA, Mao Assembly Constituency as the functional president.
Notably, the MSU Olympics 2023 was kicked off on December 27 at Chowainamei Khunou Ground. Mao villages from all over Manipur and neighboring states attended the MSU Olympics 2023.
More than 1704 athletes from 58 units participated in 30 events across 15 sports. Chowainamei Khunou hosted the debut of MSU Olympics 2023.
Major events like men's football, men's & women's volleyball; men's & women's basketball; men's & women's shot put; men's & women's badminton; men's, women's & doubles badminton; men's, women's & doubles table tennis; 100 metre race; 400 metre relay race; javelin throw; long jump, high jump, arm wrestling, marathon, wrestling and tug of war were played during the MSU Olympics 2023.
These events were hosted at various venues including Chisari Ground, Chisari Community Hall and Chakremei Ground.
Speaking as the chief guest, Athikho Chalai expressed his delight at being a part of the MSU Olympics 2023.
In today's generation, people are quick to point out the negativity of any individuals instead of praising their positivite traits. One should change this attitude to build the State, particularly the Mao tribe, he added.
Lauding the dedication and hard working nature of the Mao people, he urged them to focus on the three major points to achieve success: integrity, hard work and a never-give-up attitude.
Meanwhile, A Kapani pointed out the ample opportunities available to the present generation in different fields.“Stating that the Manipur Government has introduced 7 schemes out of which 2 are meant for sports persons, he advised the gathering to make use of such schemes.
Additionally, he asserted that both the Central and State Government support the players with financial aid.
He concluded by requesting all the players and sportspersons avoid intake of alcohol and other intoxicating substances to make it as a successful sportsperson.“During the closing ceremony, a football match was played between Sajouba village and Punnamei village for the MSU Martyrs Trophy in memory of Lt Neli Chakho and Lt Dikho Loshuo.
Many individuals and organizations such as Mao Market Association, Mao Officers Union, Mao Bankers Forums etc were also part of the sponsored list for the MSU Olympics 2023.