The Manipur Olympic Association (MOA) on Tuesday urged the state government to allow resumption of sporting activity from October this year.

The MOA while observing the 72nd Olympic Day in a low key manner at Olympic Bhavan at Khuman Lampak, discussed at length for starting of training/practices for sportspersons since the lockdown that began from March. The customary Olympic Day run was not held today.

A memorandum to Chief Minister N Biren Singh was submitted in the evening. It highlighted the starting coaching or training programmes from the month of October by keeping the protocol of COVID-19 strictures intact.

MOA president Th Radheshyam Singh observed, “Human lives are precious and we are in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, which is threatening mankind and its existence. But as the head of an apex body, I would very much like our sporting activities to resume at the earliest as we are coping well with pandemic.”

He suggested that MOA should approach the government and put the concern in writing for resumption of sporting activity, particularly in training and practices.

Mentioned may be made that Olympic Day was celebrated to garner mass participation of people to spread the message of love and cultural activities.

Manipur Olympic Association senior vice president, GA Ibopishak Sharma and general secretary, Sunil Elangbam also spoke on the occasion.