Sports movement must to nullify drug threat
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: August 13, 2021 -

SPORTSPERSONS who bring laurels to the state and country definitely deserve to have a secure future so as to encourage them train harder for further glory and consequently sustain the sports movement in this underdeveloped state.

As achievement of almost all the Manipuri sportspersons till date has common history of struggle against poverty and parental apathy, especially for female sports enthusiasts, showering them with incentives and ensuring job security is the least the government could do in acknowledgement of their hard work and steely resolve to enhance Manipur's profile at the global stage.

Though job offer to outstanding sportspersons or appointment in their home state is likely to have adverse effect in their preparation to scale newer heights in the future, especially for team events where the players' training bases are outside the state, there is no reason why the government should fret over giving them the best treatment and respect.

By according warm welcome to hockey Olympians Nilakanta Sharma and Sushila Chanu on Wednesday and announcing creation of posts in the sports department especially for Olympic Games participants of the state, the incumbent government is driving home the message to the younger generation that sports will ultimately bring fortune and help them live a comfortable life if one is willing to explore their latent talent and work for reaching the goal.

With the drug and substance abuse menace remaining a serious threat in the society, the government's job promise to meritorious sportspersons also has the potential to wean away the vulnerable youngsters from getting addicted to psychotropic drugs, which are available in abundance in the state.

As stated by chief minister at the reception ceremony of Nilakanta, the state cabinet in its recent meeting created 18 posts in the Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Department and reserved the same for Olympians of the state.

Unlike the past tradition of giving appointment to sportspersons in the police department, reservation of the posts of assistant director for participants, deputy director for medal winners and joint director for gold medal winners of Olympic Games is a commendable move and reflects the government's commitment towards sustaining the sports movement in the state.

Moreover, the government needs to accord importance to Hockey India president N Gyanendro's push for promotion of sports culture in the hill districts for emergence of sports talents from tribal dominated areas remains very limited till date.

Barring legendary boxer MC Mary Kom and a handful of footballers who played for the country, presence of tribal sportspersons has been abysmally low.

Thus, the government should focus on developing infrastructure suitable to games and sports in tribal areas and people.

In case basic but modern facilities could be ensure it is possible that Manipur will continue to produce increasing number of world class players in different disciplines.

Along with showering praises, doling out monetary incentives and ensuring job security to the meritorious sportspersons, emphasis should also be on scouting talented youngsters and honing their skills to take on the best in the world.

In view of some nefarious elements hell bent on drowning the youth in drugs, aggressive promotion of sports in all parts of the state might help neutralise such devilish agenda.