Manipur's Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) and Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh on Saturday, 30 August 2026, expressed firm confidence that sportspersons from the state would continue to excel across disciplines, secure more medals, and bring sustained recognition to both Manipur and India. He was speaking at the National Sports Day 2026 celebrations held in Imphal.

Key Developments at the Imphal Celebration

Minister Singh told the gathering that Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has been making sustained efforts to upgrade sports facilities and equipment at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex to global standards. He called on all stakeholders to extend their support toward these infrastructure goals.

Earlier in the morning, Singh flagged off a Half Marathon Race from Khuman Lampak Sports Complex. The race spanned approximately 21 km, with participants running to Malom Oil Depot and back. In the evening, Men's and Women's Hockey exhibition matches were inaugurated at the Khuman Lampak Hockey Stadium, adding a competitive dimension to the day's observance.

Honouring Major Dhyan Chand

The minister noted that National Sports Day is observed annually on the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary hockey player credited with winning three Olympic gold medals for India. The day has been marked across the country since 2012 to honour his legacy and promote the broader importance of sports and physical fitness. Floral tributes were paid to Major Dhyan Chand inside the Hockey Stadium as part of the main event.

What the Sports Secretary Said

Addressing the event, Youth Affairs and Sports Secretary Naorem Praveen Singh framed the occasion within the context of two landmark policy frameworks: the newly formulated Bharat Khel Neeti, 2025, and the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. He said both initiatives are aimed at driving positive transformation by promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and active participation in sports.

Praveen Singh highlighted that approximately 65 per cent of India's population is below the age of 35, making youth a critical national asset. He stressed that keeping this demographic physically active and engaged in sports would contribute meaningfully to the country's development. He expressed hope that young athletes from Manipur would continue to build on the state's existing sporting achievements.

Manipur's Sporting Ambitions

Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, which hosted the day's events, is regarded as one of the more prominent multi-sport facilities in the country. Officials underscored the need to maintain and develop it with care, given its role as a platform for athletes, coaches, and major sporting events. This comes amid a broader national push to build grassroots sports infrastructure ahead of India's growing ambitions on the international stage.