Ukhrul: The return of 2nd edition of Manipur Olympic Games 2022 opened new avenues for the sports loving people to participate in the competition and compete with the best with Ukhrul District Olympic Association (UDOA)set to sent over 160 athletes in as many as 16 different disciplines. Organised by the Ukhrul District Olympic Association, a torch relay was held in Ukhrul ahead of the upcoming Manipur Olympic Games.

The relay began from the office of UDOA, Wino Bazaar with Kapingshang Phinao, president incharge of Ukhrul District Taekwondo Association holding the torchbearer and converged at Mini Secretariat Ukhrul.

Speaking at the occasion, Ziaur Rahman, AC to DC Ukhrul who lighted the olympic torch at Mini Secretariat complex upon the contingents arrival at the venue wished success to the participants.

In his speech, Rammayo Chiphang, president UDOA exhorted the participants to always follow game spirit and go for self-motivation as self motivation is the best.

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L Robert Meitei, District Games Coordinator also a renowned international bodybuilder figure harped on the need to include people of Tangkhul community in the Olympic Games.

The first State Olympic games was played in 1988. After a hiatus of 34 years the 2nd edition of Manipur Olympic Games will resume in 2022. Manipur Olympic Association has been playing a pivotal roles as such MOA is in search of quality, productive, hardworking, and desiring athletes who would work the extra mile so that they could compete and bring laurels and achievements to India.

He also make a clarion call to reach the unreached and not just confined to valley areas as all Manipur encompass different nook and corner of Manipur.

War on Drugs introduced by incumbent Manipur’s chief minister N Biren Singh is very much related to sports. “With more than 168 athletes to represent Ukhrul district in the olympic games many people who use drugs would be saved through their participation,” he explained while commenting on the significance of sports which comes with discipline as its forte.

The programme was attended by district police officers, DLOS, athletes and well wishers.

The programme began with prayer pronounced by Rev Somi Kasomwoshi, pastor Ukhrul town baptist church, while Ngalengmi Zimik, associate pastor UBC Ukhrul pronounced the closing prayer.

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