Floodlight system boon for state's sportspersons
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: March 07, 2023 -

SUNDAY'S formal inauguration of the floodlight system at Luwangpokpa Cricket Ground, Luwangsangbam in Imphal East district followed by a friendly match and periodical conduct of football matches of national level tournaments under the lights at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium are undisputable testimonies about Manipur passing through one of the most peaceful times.

Of course, excellent performance by the sportspersons in diverse disciplines is the primary reason for the state having the best sports facilities, academies and institutions among the north eastern states.

However, had there been no improvement in the law and order situation then it would be unimaginable for conduct of competitive matches or games after dusk as the parents are certain to prioritise presence of their children sportspersons within the safe environment of home.

As such about a decade back when restiveness used to be the hallmark of the state, the idea of installing floodlight system to facilitate conduct of evening outdoor events understandably never dawned upon the policy makers.

After decades of being stuck in insurgency-related incidentsand geo-political instability, the semblance of tranquillity returning to the state has been facilitating the sports bodies to organise competitions till late evening consequently encouraging the incumbent government to plan for installation of floodlights.

Prior to inauguration of the floodlight system at Khuman Lampak main stadium in 2020 followed by similar facility at the adjacent hockey stadium, a Kangpokpi district-based academy had been organising a football tournament under illuminated playground.

However, there is no doubt that availability of the flood lighting system in the state's largest stadium helped in projecting the positive aspects of Manipur.

For instance, substantial number of spectators regularly watching Indian League matches featuring local clubs and organising major sports competitions including athletic championships are showcasing Manipur in positive light, compared to in the past when the state used to be a dreaded place for outsiders, be they sportspersons or business delegates.

Such dramatic change in the situation is also exactly the reason for chief minister N Biren to declare during the Sunday's event that his government will develop a cricket stadium near Loktak Lake to further promote India's most popular game in the state.

Moreover, with Manipur making it to the elite group of the prestigious Ranji Trophy tournament, there is every reason to believe that the state will become a force to reckon with in cricket as well.

Availability of multiple stadia with flood lighting system in the state should also be taken advantage of to facilitate training of local sportspersons rather than utilising the existing facilities only for hosting major national or international sports events.

Such facilities will also enable the sportspersons to pursue their dream of becoming athlete of repute after tending to their other assignments.

As young sportspersons would definitely be eager to train in world class stadia and facilities their enthusiasm need to be reciprocated in the right earnest so that they could hone their skills and bring more laurels for the state and country.

It needs no reminding that apart from bringing fame and glory to the state, sports is also a useful medium to keep youth away from the habit of substance abuse.