Andro assembly constituency MLA Th Shyamkumar on Monday said that increasing trend for organising more sports events during yaoshang festival instead of indulging in celebrations is a good trend for Manipur which is known to the world for its unique arts and culture, games and sports.
He was speaking as the chief guest during the inaugural function of the 12th Kanglei Mega Sports Festival, 2023 at Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal.
The programme was organised by Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) under the theme ‘Sports for a change’. The Kanglei Mega Sports Festival will be continuing from March 6 to 11.
Unlike the previous years when people used to celebrate Yaoshang by spraying muddy waters to one another under the influence of intoxicants, the trend of celebration has been changing in the last few years as the people are organising more sports events at each locality, he said.
He mentioned that people used to consider at one time that student bodies only get involved in social issues; however, they are now getting involved in organizing sports events which is good, he mentioned. He further appreciated the initiatives of KSA for organising such events.
KSA president Sukham Bidyananda said that the promotion of sports in Manipur requires such sports events to be held at various places of the state. The people need to reduce entertainment and festivities during the Yaoshang festival and give encouragement in games and sports.
