Sporting tournaments in Manipur bringing players together

A week-long 22nd Senior School Cadet Kick Boxing Championship was recently held at the Sekta Community Hall Commando Complex at Sekta Mayai Leikai in Manipur.

Over 250 players, including boys and girls from different districts, took part in the event.

The tournament was organized by the Kick Boxing Training School, Sekta, under the aegis of the Kick Boxing Association of Manipur.

"We are organizing this championship so that upcoming players can compete not only at the state level but also at the international level like the Olympics and the Asian Games," said Nawang Ngangom, kick boxing coach and referee.

"I want to play at the Olympics," said Chanchan, a player

The 12th edition of the Director General Assam Rifles (DGAR) Cup State Equestrian Championships and the 6th IGAR (South) Junior Equestrian Championships was also held at the Polo Ground in Imphal.

Over 155 riders from 14 different clubs took part in the three-day-long championship.

The tournament was organized by the Manipur Equestrian Association (MEA) and Assam Rifles with an aim to promote the game, which is historically connected to Manipur's culture and traditions.

The tournament also included events like tent pegging and show jumping in different categories.

"We organized this championship in order to promote the game. We requested the Assam Rifles to organize it, and they readily agreed. So, we are organizing this tournament.," said S Joykumar Singh, president, Manipur Equestrian Association.

"Nowadays, the number of horse riders has increased. Many youngsters have come up in this game, and now, people have also started recognizing the association,' said Thounaojam Nanao Singh, a player

Manipur has a large pool of talented sportspersons. And, the hosting of such events is certainly beneficial for them.