SENAPATI: The Mao Students’ Union (MSU) on Sunday inaugurated its Sports Meet cum 92nd Anniversary Celebration, 2025 at Punanamei, Mao, Senapati district, with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla attending the function as the Chief Guest. This year’s Sports Meet is being hosted by the Punanamei Students’ Union.
Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze, President of the NPP Manipur State Unit and former Lok Sabha MP, attended as the Honoured Guest, while 48 Mao Assembly Constituency MLA L. Dikho was the Chief Host.
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The inaugural programme began with the unveiling of a monolith by the Chief Guest, followed by an invocation by Rev. Fr. Jose Karippai, SDB, Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Parish, Punanamei. MSU President Pfokrehrii Matekho Pekosil delivered the welcome address, recalling the Union’s founding in 1933 and its guiding motto “Sacrifice and Progress.” He highlighted Mao’s historical significance, particularly Makhel as the ancestral origin of the Nagas, and stressed the role of sports in promoting discipline, leadership, unity, and youth empowerment.
The Chief Host addressed the gathering, followed by greetings and a brief address by the Vice President of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), who emphasised student unity, discipline, and the importance of sports in shaping responsible leadership.
A special musical presentation, “The Song of the Soldier,” was rendered by the MCA Choir, while a folk tune by the man folk performance added a cultural touch to the programme.
Addressing the gathering, MLA L. Dikho highlighted Mao’s long-standing emphasis on education and entrepreneurship and said that despite infrastructure challenges, youths from the region have made notable progress in sports, particularly football. He also noted Mao’s role as a centre of unity even during the recent unrest in the state.
Honoured Guest Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze called for rebuilding trust and harmony among communities, urging youths to emerge as future leaders and work collectively towards peace and social cohesion.
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In his address, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla congratulated the Mao Students’ Union on its 92nd anniversary and lauded its contribution to shaping disciplined and socially responsible youths. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure, road connectivity, public services, and sustainable livelihood opportunities in Senapati district, stating that sports play a vital role in leadership development and nation-building.
According to a concept note issued by the Union, the Sports Meet is being organised under the theme “Empowering the Future Through Sports,” with the aim of fostering athletic excellence, leadership, resilience, and social harmony among youths. Scheduled during the year-end festive season, the event seeks to encourage wide participation and intergenerational engagement, while strengthening inter-village camaraderie and shared cultural identity.
A total of 31 units are participating in the Sports Meet, with more than 1,500 players registered. The tournament will conclude on December 31.
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