IMPHAL: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya has assured the upgrade of sports infrastructure in Manipur which is considered as the powerhouse of sports.
The union minister visited Loktak Lake on Sunday, as part of his two-day tour to the northeastern state, and interacted with the young athletes undergoing training in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking at the Regional Water Sports Complex in Takmu.
During the interaction, the athletes voiced their concerns regarding inadequate equipment and facilities at the Regional Water Sports Complex.
Mandaviya also conveyed the Centre’s plan to inaugurate the National Sports University in October 2025 and to improve infrastructure at the Regional Water Sports Complex.
Asnikumar Singh, Chairperson of the Loktak Development Authority and president of the Bishnupur District Canoeing & Kayaking Association, submitted a memorandum to the union minister outlining these issues.
He also appealed to the union minister for support in sponsoring a national championship for canoeing, kayaking, and rowing in Loktak Lake during the current year.
He assured of improving the existing sports infrastructure, suggesting a potential upgrade of facilities at the SAI Centre of Excellence in Water Sports, or transforming the complex into a campus of the National Sports University, Imphal.
He underscored the importance of nurturing the young talents of Manipur and expressed keen interest in seeing Loktak Lake athletes excel in water sports.
The minister also emphasized that the Modi government’s top priority is to harness the untapped potential of the youth, particularly in water sports, and expressed optimism about the future achievements of the young athletes from the Loktak Lake area.
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The union minister went on a boat ride across Loktak Lake and was accompanied by state government representatives.
During the ride, he underscored the importance of preserving Loktak as a natural treasure and assured of the support of relevant ministries and agencies for the lake’s rejuvenation, conservation, and sustainable development to protect the livelihoods of the communities.
