Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday, 21 June underscored the power of sports as a unifying force, stating that athletic competition transcends barriers of region, community and culture. He made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the 13th Chief Minister Trophy Kang Tournament, held at Manipur Kangshang within the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal.

Sports as a Bridge for Unity

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Singh drew a parallel between the Olympic Games and state-level sporting events, noting that since the inception of the Olympics, athletes from different nations have forged lasting friendships, strengthening bonds across borders. He argued that sporting events in India serve a similar integrative function, bringing together people from diverse communities and fostering mutual understanding and brotherhood.

Singh stated that Manipur has consistently exemplified this spirit of unity through its rich sporting culture and record of athletic achievement at the national and international levels.

National Sports University and Infrastructure Progress

The Chief Minister highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in recognition of the exceptional talent and dedication of Manipuri sportspersons, gifted the state the country's first National Sports University. Singh said the institution has already made a significant contribution to sports development in the state and is expected to play a transformative role in nurturing future generations of athletes.

He further informed those present that he has received reports indicating all infrastructure works at the National Sports University are likely to be completed within the current year, which would further consolidate Manipur's standing as a major sporting hub of the country.

Preserving the Ancient Game of Kang

Singh devoted a significant portion of his address to the cultural importance of Kang, one of Manipur's oldest traditional games, which was first introduced during the reign of King Loitongba. He described it as an integral part of the state's cultural heritage that must be actively preserved for future generations.

He recalled that the Chief Minister's Kang Trophy was instituted in 1999 by late former Chief Minister Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh with the specific objective of promoting and preserving the indigenous sport. Expressing satisfaction that the tournament has now reached its 13th edition, Singh lauded the players, organisers, and members of the Manipur Kang Association for their sustained efforts in keeping the game alive among younger generations.

As a gesture of encouragement, Singh announced a contribution of ₹1 lakh from the Chief Minister's account towards the tournament, continuing an annual tradition of institutional support.

Closing Ceremony Attendance

The closing function was attended by Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, MLAs Karam Shyam Singh, Sagolshem Kebi Devi, and Sapam Nishikant Singh, along with Secretary of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department Naorem Praveen Singh, Director of YAS Dr Mayengbam Veto Singh, former India football team captain P. Renedy Singh, former India footballer Lourembam Lolendra Singh, and several other sports personalities and officials.

Singh also acknowledged the slogans and messages calling for unity among the people during the event, describing them as a reflection of the collective aspiration for peace, harmony and togetherness in Manipur — a state that has endured significant social tensions in recent years. The tournament's continued success, he suggested, is itself a statement about the resilience of that aspiration.