IMPHAL, NOVEMBER 27: The 2nd North East Para Sports Meet 2025 is underway at the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Nalapara Road, Sarusajai, Guwahati, Assam, from November 27 to 29. Over 700 para athletes from across the Northeast region are taking part in the event.
Manipur’s contingent, led by Dr. Kiran Yendrembam, social activist and Chief de Mission, includes 19 athletes and five officials. The team was flagged off by Kangjam Birendra Singh, president of the Manipur Paralympic Association, and G.A. Anjan Sharma.
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The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Rajib Dey, Organising Secretary of the 2nd North East Para Sports Meet 2025, who delivered the welcome address. The event was graced by Nandita Gorlosa, Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, Assam; Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, Organising President; Ramesh Chandra Jain (IAS), Chairman of SEBA; Ankur Bharali, Director of Sports and Youth Welfare, Assam; Dr. R. Biswakumar, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Sikkim; and Zariu Hussian, Chief Managing Editor of News Live, as chief guest, president, and guests of honour.
Speaking to the media through a voice note, Kiran Yendrembam expressed disappointment over the logistical challenges faced by the Manipur contingent. He said that despite multiple appeals, flight ticket issues arising from administrative lapses and sponsorship constraints had created difficulties for the athletes’ travel. He pointed out that with the ongoing President’s Rule in Manipur, procedural delays have worsened such problems, discouraging participation and affecting team morale.
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Kiran also stressed that even though Manipur is recognized as the “Sports Hub of India,” recurring administrative hurdles continue to hinder athletes’ growth and representation. He called for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to streamline travel support for para athletes in the future.