PHED Minister L. Dikho flags off Open Marathon Run, 2021

Senapati: PHED Minister, L. Dikho flagged off the Open Marathon Run, 2021 at Raisung Ground, Maram bazaar. The 22 km marathon run along NH-02 between Maram bazaar and Mini stadium, Senapati was organised by the Senapati District Olympic Association, Manipur (SDOAM) under the theme, “Catch the Rain” which was sponsored by the PHED department, Govt of Manipur under the banner, “Get jab, Rid Covid.”

During a short gathering at Raisung Ground, Maram bazaar, Dr. Ngouniba Peter, District Immunization Officer, Senapati spoke on advocacy on Covid vaccination. In his speech, the DIO, Senapati stated that marathon and Covid vaccination might not be relevant on the day but stated that to pass on 2 messages asking the athletes to have a good, strong heart to sustain themselves from the starting point till the end and to have a good lungs to continuously supply enough oxygen to reach the goal. A marathon runner participates in the race to convey the message of victory asking the athletes to be messenger of Covid pandemic telling people about the means to overcome Corona Virus by means of vaccination as given in the slogan, “Get jab, Rid Covid.”

PHED Minister L. Dikho in his speech lauded the organizing committee for taking all pains to organise the event adding the importance of sports in life at present with Manipur as a state is leading the country in the field of sports asking to carry the message of sports all over the country. The minister asked to carry the message to bring change through sports in many ways that can bring peace, good understanding in life in many other things. The minister gave his welcome note to those athletes coming from neighbouring states like Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, etc. to promote sports and friendship in the country. The minister also asks the athletes to be an ambassador of great message to “Get Jab, Rid Covid.” The event was sponsored by the PHE department to spread the message of the importance of water as given in the theme, “Catch the Rain.” With the vision of Prime Minister to provide tap water to each household by 2024, the minister asks the gathering to love water, to conserve water and catch the rain that the department wants to convey the message to all.

Secretary, Games & Sports of SDOAM gave the introduction and briefing of the rules and regulations to be followed as given the criteria for all athletes just before the flagging off.

Altogether, more than 400 athletes took part in the Open marathon run including the ladies as different category. Representatives coming from Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland and Mizoram participated at the marathon run.

Also read: Senapati District Olympic Association, Manipur to organise open Marathon Run, DC orders to regulate traffic

L.R. Luther from Khamsom village, Senapati district finished the first and reached the Mini Stadium Ground, Senapati within 1:16:57 seconds, H. Nagopulou of Liyai village, Senapati district crowned the second position and reached the finish line within 1:20:06 seconds while A. Marikho of Chowainamei Khunou village, Senapati district crowned the third position who reached the finished line within 1:26:54 seconds.

In the female category, K. Tsiiveine of Liyai village, Senapati district croned the first position who reached the finish point within 1:55;44 seconds, Milinhungle from Newme Hangrum village, Haflong, Assam, bagged the second position who reached the final point within 1:56:10 seconds while Heluhing Chule Catherine of Bakie village, Senapati district bagged the second position who reached the finish point within 1:56:20 seconds.

Prize distribution was done at Mini Stadium Ground, Senapati by Mahesh Chaudhari, IAS, DC, Senapati and Kaishungbou, MPS, Addl. SP (NH-2), Senapati. N. Surand Singh, SDO, Willong spoke on ethical voting giving awareness to the people for the coming assembly election, 2022. In his address, Mahesh Chaudhari, IAS, DC, Senapati lauded the organizers where all age groups had participated at the event.

The DC also suggested organising for persons with different abilities in future. Under the Jal Shakti ministry, Govt of India and Water Resources department, Govt of Manipur, different works had reportedly taken up for water harvesting at different places of the state. The DC asks all to make efforts to catch the rain in future.

The medical department and the Indian Red Cross Society, Senapati Branch helped in assisting the first aid needs and taking care of the athletes as they reached the finish point.

Winners of the race took away a cash prize of Rs. 30,000/- Rs. 20,000/- and Rs. 10,000/- with citation for the first, second and third respectively with Rs. 5,000/- each to 7 consolation prizes in both categories.