North East Games 2013 starts in Imphal

IMPHAL, April 8: The Chief Minister of Manipur Okram Ibobi Singh today announced the opening of the 27th North East Games 2013 today at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.

The Games is being organized by the Department of Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur  under Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA) scheme from April 8 to April 11 and will feature various sports disciplines such as Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Football, Hockey, Judo, Table Tennis,Teakwondo, Weightlifting and Wushu.

RK Nimai, Commissioner, YAS and Art & Culture Secretary to the Governor giving the keynote address welcomed all the contingents for the 27th North East Sports Games and mentioned that the Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA) is a rural sports initiative introduced by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India to promote youth and social development through sports. "PYKKA is a Central Government sponsored scheme which is implemented by State and Union Territory administrations and  provides funds for the development and maintenance of sports grounds in villages and Panchayat Level", he said.

Speaking at the function, Okram Ibobi Singh the Chief Guest of the function said the North East Games earlier known as the North East Sports Festival was introduced for promoting games and sports in the region and the Games was started in the year 1986-87 hosted by Manipur.

"Organizing such a unique and remarkable Games meet  in the North East area of the country continuously with  pomp and grandeur is  a matter of pride for the North East," he said.

He elaborated that the National Sports Academy was established by the State Government in 2007 with the objective to produced more International Players from Manipur.

M Prithviraj Singh, Parliamentary Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS/ Tourism) said it was the fifth time that Manipur was hosting the North East Sports Festival.  He elaborated that the North East Games play an important in zeroing on talented sportspersons in their specific events.