Imphal, October 19: The 46th Junior National Gymnastics and sixth edition of Junior National Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships hosted by the State will commence from December 14 at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium, said All Manipur Gymnastics Association president L Tiken Singh.

Addressing mediapersons at Manipur Press Club today, he said gymnasts from 25 states/units might compete for top honours in the championships.

Conceding that the Association could not tap and give adequate exposure to talented state gymnasts in the recent past, Tiken however exuded confidence of producing medal contenders for the forthcoming national championships.

In all five YAS and SAI gymnastic coaches are supervising training schedules of the State gymnasts, he added.

Detailing on the championship itinerary the president informed of artistic gymnastic section having competition in 10 items including four in female division compared to the all female rhythmic categorically having four items.

Pegging the estimated cost of hosting the championship at about Rs 18.20 lakhs, he informed of the State Government likely to chip in with Rs 3 lakhs, assistance of Rs 3.25 expected from the NEC and the Central Govt providing Rs 4 lakhs through the Gymnastics Federation of India.

Tiken also informed of expecting collection of about Rs 1.5 lakh from the 'Shumaang Leela Ground show' charity programme to be staged from October 23 till 29 at Palace Compound premise of Th Iboyaima Shumaang Leela Shanglen.

Efforts are on to involve business/financial institutions as sponsors of the event, he said and added that participants would be accommodated at the Khuman Lampak SAI hostels and Youth Centre of YAS.

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