CM flags off State contingent for 38th National Games

OSR/DIPR
Imphal, Jan 25 : Chief Minister N Biren Singh has today officially flagged off the Manipur contingent for the 38th National Games beginning on February 28 in Uttarakhand.
Attending the blessing ceremony organized jointly by the Manipur Olympic Association and the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur at CM's secretariat, the Chief Minister also extended his best wishes to the State contingent and motivated them to bring laurels to the State.
The Chief Minister expressed pride over the strong contingent of 400 athletes who will be representing Manipur across 19 disciplines at the games and 76 leading officials.
Noting the inconveniences that may have caused to the athletes while preparing for the games and other major sporting events, the Chief Minister said that one can achieve real success only after overcoming all the hurdles of life.
Maintaining that Manipur has been known globally for its contributions in the field of sports and the art and culture, he also expressed pride over 19 olympians that the State has produced so far.
To further encourage State athletes, the Government had constructed Manipur Olympian Park at Sangaithel honouring the contributions of sportspersons, he said.  
The Government, in principle, had decided to provide job to National Games gold medallists in the recently held Cabinet meeting held at Tamenglong, he said while also underscoring the Government's effort to develop and modernise sports infrastructure including the ongoing upgrading work of the velodrome at the cost of Rs 7 crore.
Maintaining that discipline and hard work must be the utmost priority for athletes to become successful, he also advised players never to feel dejected.
He also stated that there should be no room for bias in the selection process of athletes and added that biasness would lower the spirit of young players.
The programme was attended by Forest Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh, Social Welfare Minister Heikham Dingo Singh, Education Minister Th Basantakumar Singh, Transport Minister Khashim Vashum, MLA of Lamlai AC Khongbantabam Ibomcha Singh, officials of Manipur Olympic Association and athletes among others.