Picture Credit: Twitter
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed 'Chintan Shivir' of State/UT Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports in Imphal, Manipur via video message on April 25. The Prime Minister expressed his delight about the fact that the meditation camp was happening in Manipur from where many sports persons have made the country proud by winning medals across.
He emphasized that the region has contributed greatly to improve the sporting culture and tradition in India. Indigenous sports like Sagol Kangzai, Thang-Ta, Yubi Lakpi, Mukna, and Hiyang Tannaba are becoming more popular. He mentioned Oo-Lawabi as being similar to Kabaddi and Hiyang Tannaba which reminds one of Kerala’s boat race. The state holds a special relationship with Polo as it is considered the birthplace of modern-day Polo which is also called Sagol Kangjei.
Earlier this year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a 120-foot-tall statue of a polo player at Marjing Polo Complex in Imphal, Manipur. PM Modi also informed that at least 2 Khelo India centres in every district and the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in every state are under development in the region.
Narendra Modi also lauded the people for their hospitality and said that “any meditation camp starts with contemplation, proceeds with meditation, and ends with implementation”. The Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur also praised the achievements made by Manipur in the field of sports.
