Senapati, Nov 23: The first ever Manipur State Indigenous Wrestling Championship, 2022 was opened by L. Susindro Meitei (Yaima), minister, PHED/CAF & PD as the chief guest and Thangjam Arun Kumar, MLA, 15-Wangkhei AC and president, Mukna Association as functional president at Mini Stadium Ground, Senapati. The event is hosted by Makhrelui village.
While welcoming the dignitaries, D.S. Masounii, president, Senapati District Wrestling Association, Manipur (SDWAM) in his welcome note urged all the players to showcase their talent and skill in good discipline during the game. The event is reported to have taken up as part of the state level Sangai Festival, 2022.
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Thangjam Arun Kumar, MLA, 15-Wangkhei AC and president, Mukna Association in his speech stated that there are technically little difference as wrestling is played in the hills and valley. However, it is more or less the same and called a very important game who also mentioned the importance to promote such indigenous games. The different techniques in indigenous wrestling although not recognised internationally could be useful for Judo and wrestling as internationally recognised sports. That is the reason how small state like Manipur could produce different sportspersons in various fields. He encouraged organizing the indigenous wrestling in such a way to attract more tourists and get people’s support in future.
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Speaking as the chief guest, PHED/CAF & PD minister, L. Susindro Meitei (Yaima) stated that he had visited almost all parts of the district as his father had served as an Engineer in Senapati district in the past. The minister mentioned that Senapati had turned very different since 20 years ago. Minister Susindro also stated that there is love for the district as the place is familiar to him. The minister challenged the district CSOs not to wait and depend on government alone for any kind of development but to do something together for the development of the district.
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The minister mentioned that the chief minister always used to remind the MLAs to serve people and that’s the reason why “Go to Hills” program was introduced. The most important is to go the hills and meeting them personally who urged the gathering that people should live as one and move forward together as one. The minister also stated that funds have been sent to the hills to develop the hills. While development funds have been sanctioned, the minister urged all to willingly donate land wherever it could be useful to all and not to fight for land compensation. When land donors will be present, development will surely come to the place, he said adding such land donors could save the future generations which everyone should realise by now.
Indigenous Wrestling competition commenced in the midst of the program with 42 competitors in below 65 Kg category and 18 in above 65 Kg category. Three wrestlers from valley districts are participating at the championship. The four-day championship will continue till November 26.
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