Manipur Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Letpao Haokip, who also holds and Water Resources portfolio formally opened the 8th edition of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union’s Annual Sports Meet as part of the Yaoshang Festival being observed at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal on Thursday. Being a former footballer, Minister Letpao focused on the necessity of games and sports in life and added that it only will bring a healthy disease-free society.
The sports meet is a three-day event and is being held at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal. Most of the working journalists of the State are taking part in the sports meet.
Minister Letpao also took part in the torch run from Kangla Fort to the Manipur Press Club both in Imphal. Later, he lit the torch and unfurled the flag of All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) at the Manipur Press Club complex as a mark of opening the event.
Later, speaking to media persons, Minister Letpao said that organising such event will lead the society to a right and healthy direction. He also applauded the AMWJU for this initiative and assured of his support in such similar causes.
Taking opportune of the event, the minister appealed to the public, especially the youth, to indulge in at least one discipline of sports in life so that one becomes disciplined and disease-free through the physical activities involved.
The annual sports meet of journalists in the valley was organised in view of the holidays in the media houses during the five-day Yaoshang, Manipuri version of Holi festival.
Meanwhile, continuing with its tradition of being part of the Yaosang celebrations the units of 9 Sector Assam Rifles started five-day-long celebrations in various locations in Imphal and Thoubal, according to a press release of Assam Rifles.
In a series of events, 15 Assam Rifles (Mantripukhri Battalion) celebrated the first day in its area with full vigour and glee while the Swombung Company Operating Base organized a ‘Run for Fun’ for teenagers of Chingarel in Imphal East district. The Chingmeirong Company Operating Base, Mantripukhri Company Operating Base, 26 Assam Rifles (Thoubal Battalion) and the Hanuman Top Company Operating Base personnel spent their day by organising various events.