Deputy chief minister along with TA & hills minister kick off sports meet at Senapati

IMPHAL (DIPR): Dy Chief Minister, Shri Yumnam Joykumar said that sports have enormous contribution in character building. He was saying this while inaugurating the 8th Sports Meet cum Dimki Session 2019 as Chief Guest today at Makuilongdi Village in Senapati District. The sports meet was organized by Zeme Sports Association with the theme: “Together we build”. Expressing his contentment on setting foot at the picturesque Makuilongdi Village he admitted that he deeply regretted to not have visited the lovely village during his posting as Superintendent of Police in Senapati District during 1982-84. Quoting his own experiences during his school and college days, he said sports and academics can go hand-in-hand. He urged the people to ignore the notion that sports have no contribution in character building. He recounted that after playing and sweating everyday in the evening for about 1 hour helps improves concentration in studies. Citing Makuilongdi Village Football ground as an asset for Makuilongdi and the surrounding villages he expresses hope that the ground with its refreshing location for sports would someday be a breeding ground for budding sportsmen in the area.

Referring to the request or grievances mentioned in the memorandum submitted to him at the venue by Zeme Naga Council and the Makuilungdi Village Authority, he assured all possible assistance for construction of a 45 Kms motorable road from Makuilongdi to Bendramai. Shri. Yumnam Joykumar also assured maximum support for setting up of Office-cum-Guest House at Senapati Hqrs in consultation with the Deputi Commisioner, Senapati. He also offered financial assistance towards the construction of traditional Zeliangrong ‘Morung’ at Makuilongdi Village to promote and preserve traditional values of the Zeliangrong people.

Shri N. Kayisii, Minister TA & Hills, Fisheries, who attended the function as Guest of Honor lauded the unity prevailing the Makuilongdi and surrounding villages and pushed for preserving the unity at all cost. Shri. Kayisii requested the gathering to enjoy liberty in one’s own choice during elections as per the true principle of a democratic country. Maintaining that sports can contribute for all round development of a person, Minister Kayisii appealed to promote sports and games in the right approach.

TA & H Minister urged the participating teams to uphold discipline and show forth sportsmanship like conduct during the event. He also mentioned that sportsmen, especially in the tribal communities have been on the decline due to the lack of self-discipline and also asked the people to make the best use of the Football ground which he had constructed for Makuilongdi and surrounding Villages. Shri. Kayisii concluded by saying that education is the foundation for overall development and requested the young participants to education seriously for development of society.

Today’s event was also attended by DC, SP and ADC member of Senapati, Students and Church leaders, and villagers in and around Makuilongdi.During the event, 14 Villages will participate in to win the trophy in Football and Volleyball matches. The sports meet will conclude on 11th January, 2019.