Imphal: Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region G Kishan Reddy virtually inaugurated the Inter-State Truck Terminus at Sekmai from National Sports University Complex at Khuman Lampak on Monday in the presence of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Works and Youth Affairs & Sports Minister K Govindas Singh.
The inaugural function was organised during the North East Regional Sports Week in connection with the celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mohotsav.
The Inter-State Truck Terminus was completed during 2021-22 and is the first and only truck terminus in the state. It is located about 2.5 km from NH-02 on Khurkhul Awang Sekmai Road with a campus area of 18.34 acres.
The chief minister and the Union minister also attended a football match between host team Manipur and Tripura at the main stadium at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal.
Speaking at the function, the Union minister said that under CM Biren Singh, Manipur will move forward in a fast pace.
Reddy also congratulated the state government, the North East Council and the organisers of the sports meet on the successful conduct of the meet. To the young sportspersons of the country, he said we have a huge population and we should get medals accordingly.
The Union minister also urged all parents to let their children play any sports, as sports and games bring discipline and boost confidence in the children.
Recognising the sporting prowess of the region, the Union minister also said that the eight states of the NE region have brought medals in various sporting disciplines, including boxing, badminton, football, archery, etc. He said in the sporting world, the youth of the region have shown immense talent and brought many laurels for the country.
“Manipur is today setting an example in the country,” he said, adding that Manipur has till date produced several Olympians and medal winners. “We all know that the game of Polo known as Sagol Kangjei in Manipur was born in Manipur and that it is today played across the country,” he continued.
The Union Minister also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes that Manipur is a sports powerhouse in the country and that the state will become an international sports hub.
Further stating that the Prime Minister had decided on the setting up of the first National Sports University in Manipur, he continued that we are moving forward with the target to ensure that the sports university is completed within two years.
“This sports university will take a big responsibility in ensuring Olympic medals for the country and further bring name for the state and the country,” he said adding that the university will take Manipur’s message across the world. He further sought support and cooperation from all in the construction of the university and afterwards.
Chief Minister Biren Singh, in his presidential speech, said that today we have started enjoying the fruits of the National Sports University which was given to Manipur by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who considers the state as a powerhouse of sports. There are more than 250 students from across the country in the university, he added.
Regarding construction of the sports university, the chief minister said the implementing agency had sought 30 months’ time for completion of the university. However, during a review meeting, it was observed to be too long, and that the government will seek handing over of the university before the 2024 general elections.
The CM and the Union minister also interacted with the students of National Sports University and inspected the facilities at its temporary campus.
Cabinet ministers K Govindas Singh, Letpao Haokip, Heikham Dingo Singh, Khashim Vashum, L Susindro, MLAs and Chief Secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar among others attended the programme.