The 41st National Junior Boys Handball Championship 2019 began at the Indoor Stadium of Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal of Manipur on Wednesday.
Around 500 boys from 28 states and two sports academy are participating in the six-day long championship has been organized by the Manipur Handball Association under the aegis of the Handball Federation of India.
Four states from the Northeast including Assam, host state Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura are taking part in the championship.
Forest and environment minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar, chairman L Susindro Meitei of Loktak Development Authority/MSPDCL and chairman Dr S Ranjan Singh of Tourism Corporation of Manipur Ltd, Anandeshwar Pandey, secretary general, Handball Federation of India, treasurer, Indian Olympics Association attended the opening function of the championship.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Shyamkumar hoped that the championship will further strengthen the sense of national integration in the country. He said the championship will help in strengthening the team spirit among the participants and bring peace and prosperity in the country.
In his speech, Susindro welcomed the participants and lauded the organizing committee of the championship for organizing the event at Imphal. He further asked the organizers to inform in case of any requirement.
Members of the Manipur Handball Association, coaches and players also attended the opening function.