Imphal – At the 14th session of the “Meet the Press” organized by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) of the Government of Manipur, Dr Mayengbam Veto Singh, Director of Youth Affairs and Sports, highlighted the state’s sporting legacy and investment potential.
Dr Veto noted that Manipur has produced 19 Olympians, including three Olympic medalists, 26 Asian Games medalists and 36 Commonwealth Games medalists, and that many athletes have earned prestigious National Sports Awards.
He described an active network of coaching centres, academies and tournaments that support more than 40 sports disciplines, including football, boxing, weightlifting, hockey, athletics, judo, wushu, fencing, badminton, cycling, gymnastics, archery and wrestling. Indigenous sports such as Sagol Kangjei, Mukna, Thang‑Ta, Yubi Lakpi, Khong Kangjei and Hiyang Tannaba also form part of the state’s cultural heritage.
Despite these strengths, infrastructure gaps, funding constraints and connectivity issues in remote hill districts remain challenges. The department’s roadmap, part of “Vision 2030: Manipur as Sports Capital”, calls on investors and developers to partner in building world‑class facilities, sports science centres and tourism infrastructure, aiming for a healthier, stronger and more united Manipur.
