Chennai : In the wake of the ongoing crisis in Manipur, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, MK Stalin, has come forward to give a helping hand to the sports community in the troubled state. Manipur, known for producing exceptional sports personalities like Mary Kom, Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, Kunjarani Devi, and many others, has been facing challenging circumstances that have affected the practise and training of its talented athletes.
Chief Minister MK Stalin issued an official press release expressing concern for Manipur’s sports players and pledged support to provide facilities for their future tournaments. He highlighted the exceptional talent nurtured by Manipur, especially by women athletes who have made a mark at the national and international levels.
“In Manipur, circumstances are not conducive to giving practise to players for prestigious events like the Asian Games and Khelo India. To aid Manipur players, I have instructed Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin to take necessary steps to facilitate their practise in Tamil Nadu,” said Chief Minister MK Stalin.
“Udhayanidhi Stalin, in response, has assured that Tamil Nadu Sports Development will provide highly qualified practise facilities to Manipur players,” he added.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister acknowledged the significance of Manipur’s contribution to Indian sports and expressed worry over the current situation in the state. He emphasised the need to support and empower the talented athletes from Manipur and create an environment conducive to their growth and success.
“Manipur State has been renowned for producing talented sports players, especially women athletes. Tamil Nadu is deeply concerned by the present situation in Manipur. We are aware of the athletes’ achievements, and we stand in solidarity with them,” stated Chief Minister MK Stalin.
Tamil Nadu’s commitment to promoting sports and fostering talent is well known, and the state is gearing up to host the prestigious Khelo India Games in 2024. The Chief Minister mentioned that preparations have already commenced for this mega sports event.
Notable sports personalities from Manipur have left an indelible mark on the world of sports. The legendary boxer Mary Kom became the first Indian woman boxer to win an Olympic medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu clinched a silver medal in weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, making her state and nation proud.
Weightlifter Kunjarani Devi’s impressive performances earned her bronze medals at the 1990 and 1994 editions of the Asian Games, and she secured gold in the 48 Kg category at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
Football player Boithang Haokip, known for his free-kick expertise, represents SC East Bengal in the Indian Super League, displaying Manipur’s footballing prowess. Additionally, Judo player Kalpana Devi claimed bronze at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in the 52 Kg category.
However, the recent unrest in Manipur, triggered by disputes over job quotas and land rights between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, has adversely affected the region. Clashes have resulted in fatalities and forced many to flee their homes, seeking refuge in government-run camps.
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