The making of sports powerhouse
- Imphal Times Editorial :: April 07 2018 -

Once more a Meitei Chanu has proved that – in the field of sports Manipur always is in the top.

Mirabai Chanu yesterday clinched Gold in the Common Wealth Game being underway at Gold Coast, Australia.

Although it is still too early to hazard a remark, the state Government is making perceptible efforts towards development.

The positive change, although subtle, cannot be mistaken. Reduced load shedding hours, increased frequency of water supply, decrease in violence and casualties relating to insurgency.

The public even witnessed a small miracle when a bridge completed construction three months ahead of the stipulated time.

But what is of greater joy for the people of the state is the laying of foundation stone for National Sports University by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit here in the state.

The credit however goes to the talented sportsperson of the state who had time and again prove the world that, in the Indian Suncontinent Manipur still is in the top when it comes about sports.

The very fact that the NDA Government did not even falter to consider other alternatives as to the state where the University is to be established is a testimony to the goodwill and respect the athletes and sportspersons of the state have managed to garner for Manipur.

And now, finally, the long cherished dream for every person in the state and the rest of the country looks to be fulfilled sooner rather than later.

While all these developments are positive and should be something the public can draw inspiration from, yet there still remains a lingering shadow of doubt as to whether the state Government and other authorities which have anything to do with the construction of the University will have the integrity and tenacity to recognize and upheld the sentiment of the sportspersons and the sports loving citizens to bring the venture to its fruitful conclusion.

But if the past is any indication, there still lies the very real and likely possibility of the authorities turning this rare chance of improving not only the sportspersons but also the collective fortune of the people of the state for the better, into nothing more than another opportunity to indulge in reckless plunder and misappropriation of the resources meant for the good of the land.

A very prominent example, but not the only one, which still remains like a bad dream in the consciousness of the public was the collapse of the Gallery of the main stadium of the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex even before the stadium was completed, and the subsequent killing of the contractor alleged to be responsible for the mishap.

There had been many more such incidences than the public care to remember.

Everyone who have anything to do with the proposed Sports University should draw from past experiences, both good and bad, to make it the best and most up-to-date facility so that every aspiring sportsperson in the state as well as the country can benefit from it and achieve greater glory for themselves and the country.

We also owe it to ourselves to extend our cooperation and support to make it a reality and usher in an era of sporting development and positive change in the state.