True to its reputation as the most sporting states in the North-East, Manipur emerged as the champion in the recently concluded 20th North East Sports meet held in Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. The dominance of Manipur on the North-Eastern sporting scene can be judged from the fact that this is the 16th time that Manipur has emerged the over all champion since the inception of the sports meet.

Manipur bagged 40 gold medals, 26 silver medals and 24 bronze medals. Among the other North-Eastern states Assam won 26 gold, 28 silver and 19 bronze while host State Nagaland finished with 13 gold, 10 silver and 26 bronze. Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta gave away the prizes. . Altogether nearly 2000 participants from the eight states in the region participated in the meet. The meet was held under the theme” Peace and fraternity through sports.”

Speaking on the occasion, Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta stressed the need to build intense collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to identify talents and train the sports lovers of the region in proper manner in the different discipline. He also stressed the need to have proper coaching and training centre in the region so that the region would be able to compete with the others both in national and international level. Hailing some renowned sportspersons from the North-East, like the Late Dr. T. Ao, Chekrovolu Swruro, Baichung Bhutia etc, Mr. Datta said that provided better co-ordination and draw up the road maps for sports, the region would continue to gain popularity in both the national and international arena.

Earlier, KT Sukhalu, secretary youth resources and sports chaired the function. Prize distribution, theme song from Theja Meru, fireworks display also marked the closing ceremony. It may be recalled that the festival which commenced on January 17 last, witnessed one of the largest contingents in the ten years. It recorded around 2000 contingents from eight states in the region. It was held under the theme” Peace and fraternity through sports.” Trophies were conferred to the best two in each discipline during the festival.

Here is the list of champions in different categories:

ATHLECTICS (Men):

Winner: Assam, Runners - up: Manipur

ATHLETICS (Women)

Winner- Assam, Runners up- Manipur

ARCHERY (MEN)

Winner- Manipur, Runners- up- Assam

ARCHERY (WOMEN)

Winner- Assam, Runners up: Nagaland.

BADMINTON (MEN)

Winner- Nagaland, Runners- up: Manipur BADMINTON (WOMEN) Winner- Nagaland, Runners- up: Mizoram

BOXING (MEN) Champion: Meghalaya, Runners-up: Nagaland

FOOTBALL (MEN) Winner- Mizoram, Runners up: Manipur

FOOTBALL (WOMEN) Winner- Sikkim, Runners- up: Manipur

HANDBALL (MEN) Winner- Manipur, Runners-up: Assam

HANDBALL (Women) Winner- Manipur, Runners-up: Assam

HOCKEY (MEN) Winner- Manipur, Runners- up: Tripura

HOCKEY (WOMEN) Winner: Mizoram, Runners- up: Manipur

WRESTLING (MEN) Winner- Manipur, Runners-up: Mizoram

WRESTLING (WOMEN) Winner- Manipur, Runners-up: Arunachal Pradesh

SEPAK TEKRAW (MEN) Winner- Manipur, Runners-up: Assam SEPAK TEKRAW (WOMEN) Winner- Manipur, Runners- up: Assam

TAEKWONDO (MEN) Winner- Manipur, Runners-up: Nagaland

TAEKWONDO (WOMEN) Winner- Manipur, Runners- up: Sikkim

MARCH PAST: Best Contingent: Mizoram, Runners-up- Meghalaya.

| Headlines  |  Editorial   | From Other Publications  |
|  Travel Column  | News Briefs | National |
| OT Main Page | Nena  Home Page |