Manipur Shining in Sports after Hosting National Games, Assam's Performance Lackluster: Deputy CM Y Joykumar Singh

Imphal, November 30, 2019:

Y Joykumar Singh, the Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, during the 2nd edition of the Inside Northeast Youth Conclave, said that although Manipur continues to dazzle in the sporting arena, Assam is tasting failure, despite hosting the National Games.

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The Chief Minister further asserted that although, earlier, Assam was good in badminton, its performance has declined in recent years, while Manipur is doing good. "We are thus continuing to focus on badminton", Joykumar added.

Responding to the Deputy CM's assertion, Konwar, the Assam Olympics General Secretary, said that the Assam Government stated that Assam is hoping for 10-15 gold medals in the upcoming 'Khelo India' games, which are a barometer for a state's success. The Games will be held in Guwahati in the year 2020, he further added.

Adding that although Assam is ahead in comparison to other Northeatern states when it comes to infrastructure, President of the Meghalaya Football Association, Larsing Ming, stated that what Assam lacks is a robust network of sporting organizations or bodies.

Ming also added that the introduction of artificial football grounds will play an important role in the blossoming of footballing talent in the Northeastern region. Mizoram has 10 artificial turf grounds, and Meghalaya has 10, he said. "If we have any funding, we should build grounds first and not stadiums", Mr Ming added.

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