Big question on participating in National Games arises Lift ban on MOA : Student bodies

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 5: Players of Manipur may not be able to participate in the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand if the ban imposed on the Manipur Olympic Association (MOA) by an underground outfit continues, said five student organisations today as they urged the group concerned to lift the ban immediately.
The 38th National Games is scheduled to be held at Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14.
The ban imposed on the MOA should be lifted immediately and the players must be allowed to participate in the Games, said the five student organisations which include Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA), Students' Union of Kangleipak (SUK), Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) and Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpang Lup (AIMS).
The appeal came even as the office of the Manipur Olympic Association (MOA) remains locked.
Speaking to media persons in front of the office of the MOA at Khuman Lampak today, DESAM president Mayengbam Somorjit said Manipur has been in the forefront in games and sports in the country and is regarded as a powerhouse of sports despite the difficulties and challenges local sports bodies, players and coaches have been facing.
Amid the challenges the sports bodies and players have been facing, the recent closure of the office of the MOA by a proscribed outfit has cast a long shadow on the career of players, especially those who will be participating in the National Games, said Somorjit.
The 38th National Games will be held in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14 under the Indian Olympic Association. While the Games will have 38 disciplines, Manipur has been preparing to participate in a total of 23 disciplines, he said.
Many players in the past Games have brought laurels to the State, however, the ban imposed on the MOA recently has affected the preparations and it may impact the performance of the players in the upcoming Games, Somorjit said.
The Manipur Olympic Association (MOA) is the only authority in the State responsible for nominating players, coaches and officials for the Games.
Players, coaches and officials who are to participate in the 38th National Games must get registered by January 13. Imposing ban and locking its office when the National Games is knocking on the door is very unfortunate, he said.
The players however are undergoing rigorous training, but they are uncertain if they will be able to participate in the Games as a result of the ban imposed by the outfit, Somorjit added.
The ban imposed on the MOA has affected the morale of the players, coaches and officials, he said, urging the outfit concerned to lift the ban immediately in the interest of the players.
Meanwhile, Somorjit said the State Home Department must take immediate actions and ensure smooth functioning of the office of the MOA.
For players, the National Games is not only a platform for them to compete and bring laurels but also a stepping stone for the Olympics. The National Games is crucial for players. The players may or may not get a second chance to participate in future Games, Somorjit said.
In case the ban continues and players fail to participate in the Games, it will be a huge loss for the State and it may trigger a public outrage, he added.
Urging the outfit concerned to lift the ban in the interest of the players, Somorjit also appealed to the officials of the MOA to attend office and ensure participation of the State players in the Games in the Uttarakhand.
He further appealed to the Government to provide all necessary assistance including monetary aid in time to players in all Games and championships.