The Raja Goukhothang Guite (RGG) Football Memoriam, 2018 comes to an end at Lamka Public Ground,Churachandpur,65 km south of Imphal on Friday.
The Ropiang Foundation Trust in memory of Raja Goukhothang Guite, who worked selflessly to develop games and sports particularly among the tribal communities in the hill areas of Manipur, organized the event.
Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla attended the closing ceremony of RGG Football Memoriam, 2018 wherein United Chikim Federation lifted the trophy. Principal Secretary J C Ramthanga of Co-operative, Shyam Lal Poonia, Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur and many sports lovers also attended the closing ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Dr Heptulla said that the key objective of games and sports is to inculcate sportsmanship among the boys and girls to help in forming their character in order to become good citizens.
It teaches them the habits of observation, obedience and self-reliance while promoting their physical, mental and spiritual development in the true spirit, she added.
Applauding the selfless contribution of Raja Goukhothang Guite in developing games and sports particularly among the tribal communities in the hills of Manipur, the Governor said that organizing such kind of cultural-cum-sports event is a good initiative taken up by the Ropiang Foundation Trust. The Trust deserves all praise for their untiring endeavour, she added.
The Governor further said that Manipur is known as the sports powerhouse because of the interest shown by the people of the State at all levels.
She further added that sportspersons of the State have continued to make their presence felt in the national teams in different disciplines reiterating the recent participation of eight players in the national team in the Under-17 FIFA World Cup.
Dr Najma Heptulla also said that during the past months, she had visited some of the districts in the State and found tremendous enthusiasm for games and sports among the youths.
It can be said that there is no necessity of creating sports consciousness among the youth in Manipur as they are born sportsmen and athletes, she further said.
It is in recognition of the sports potential that the Central Government has brought the National Sports University to Manipur which will further improve the sports scenario in the State, she said.
Encouraging the participants for taking part in the tournament, she reiterated that game is not all about winning but also of taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well. She also comforted the team losing the tournament not to be disheartened but strive more to succeed in the next match.
She also complimented the officials for conducting the tournament, especially those who had worked silently without rewards. She stated that with the enthusiasm of the Trust and the encouragement from the well-wishers and supporters, the tournament will scale greater heights in the times to come.
In his speech Minister of Agriculture V Hangkhanlian, said Government of Manipur has taken great initiatives to promote games and sports. It is very fortunate for the State of Manipur to have a Central Sports University, he added.