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Uphill task
(November 3)
The focus of the whole country will be
on our boys and girls in the next chapter of the National Games being held in Punjab. The expectations are not without, foundations. Manipur was the winner of the Raja Bhalendra Singh Trophy in
the Last National Games hosted by the State.
Competitors from this small state located in the extreme corner of the country stunned
all by emerging the over all champions, bigger states including Punjab, Maharashtra and Kerala, which are thought to have better chance than Manipur given the facilities made available to their sports persons. Although Kerala secured more gold medals
Manipur was declared the over all champions on the basis of point tally.
The people of Manipur
is sure to have great expectations in the next Games. For the records Manipur managed to bag 49 gold, 24 silver and 39
bronze medals. But the question now is: Will the State be able to live upto the expectations and retain the Trophy? This is doubtful, it may be recalled that the entire people of Manipur stood solidly behind our boys and girls in the last Games, supported them morally and financially. Intensive trainings were given to our participants for not less than six months.
Moreover,
individuals organizations and the State Government has announced cash and other prizes for the medal
winners well before the start of the big fight. Even Government Departments shouldered the responsibility of financing training of our sports persons. These are also important factors for the outstanding performance of our boys and girls. But nothing of this sort is happening in Manipur today although the countdown to the Games has already begun.
An acute financial crisis is gripping the State right now. The Government, which is finding it very difficult to pay
salaries of its employees are not in a position to repeat what has been done in the last Games. The Manipur Olympic Association (MOA) put up an estimate of Rs 30 lakhs, but the Government reportedly sanctioned only Rs 19.7 lakhs. Lack of fund will be dampening the sporting spirit of our participants. On top of this the atmosphere conducive for intensive training seems to be lacking in the State.
Despite all these shortcomings, our boys and girls have not given up their hopes.
Indeed, Manipur is expecting a repeat of the Manipur games. The State, as usual is expected to perform well in the fields of cycling,
fencing, swimming, archery, taekwondo, weighlifting, women's football etc. Unfortunately
as some of the medal hopes from the State win be representing others, this will reduce the medal tally of the State. As the State is facing a severe financial crisis selectors should focus their attention to only those who will bring laurels for Manipur.
Money should not be wasted. It will benefit not only our boys and girls, but also the entire state if wealth off people come forward and extend a helping hand. The morale of our boys and girls needs to be boosted. Wish them all the success.
(Courtesy:
The Sangai Express)
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