Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur has stressed on the need for the Centre and States to come together for promotion of games and sports in the country, by sharing ideas and strategies on developing the sector.
By James Khangenbam 26 April 2023 Imphal:
Conference of Youth Affairs and Sports ministers of India in Imphal 2023
Anurag Singh Thakur was addressing the inaugural session of a conference (Chintan Shivir) of Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of different States and Union Territories at the City Convention Centre on 24th April.
Stating that this year’s conference is the third Chintan Shivir of YAS Ministers, he said that youths are the largest stakeholder of the country and have a very important role in Nation building. He further stressed the necessity of organizing such conferences in every State to develop the sports sector from the grassroots level.
Anurag Singh Thakur said that Manipur has contributed a lot in the field of sports, despite its small population compared to other larger States. Acknowledging the contribution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose Manipur for opening the first National Sports University. An approximate amount of Rs 900 crore will be spent for developing the university, he added.
He spoke on the popularity of indigenous games of Manipur, adding that the Central Government had also adopted many indigenous games in the Khelo India Programme. He further mentioned the importance of promoting traditional games at the international level.
Anurag Singh Thakur also spoke on the achievements of sportspersons of the State, mentioning the names of sports personalities who had brought laurels for the country at National and international sporting events. He mentioned the contribution of different States in different disciplines of sports, adding that women players had brought much achievement for the country.
Youth Affairs and Sports ministers of India
At the beginning of the programme, a short video message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was telecast, in which the Prime Minister spoke on the contribution of North East States, especially Manipur in the field of sports and the importance of the conference.
The Chintan Shivir would have sessions on various topics including Yuva Portal, Restructuring the National Youth Festival, Overview of Khelo India and other schemes of Government of India, Innovation in Sport Sector, Issue and Challenges in Sports Governance and Improving engagement among stakeholders in sports sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister, Manipur N Biren Singh extended a warm welcome to all the participants of the National Conference of Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of States and Union Territories, adding that the State is honoured to host such an event.
He also stated that a football academy would be set up in the State in collaboration between Argentina Football Academy and the State Government. He observed that holding such a conference in Imphal also recognizes and highlights the significant contributions made by Manipuri sportspersons and youth towards Nation building.
Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh Banwarilal Purohit, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Nisith Pramanik, YAS Minister of different States and Union Territories, Secretary (Sports) and Secretary (Youth Affairs), Chief Secretary, Manipur and senior officials of Government of India and various State Governments also attended the inaugural programme.
