Tokyo, 2020 is slated to begin on July 23, 2021 and conclude on August 8, 2021.
TFM Desk
Khangabok Development Society (KDS) wished the Manipuri players participating in the Olympic Games, Tokyo 2020 all the best. May the players representing the nation at the XXXII edition of the games bring laurels to the motherland, stated a statement by KDS.
Five players of the state are trying their luck in different fields — Bronze Medalist of 2012 London Olympic Games MC Mary Kom (Women’s Boxing: 51kg); 2016 Rio Olympic Games Hockey Women Team captain Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam; participant in 2016 Rio Olympic Games Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (Women’s Weightlifting: 49kg); Likmabam Shushlia Devi (Women’s Judo: 48 kg), and Shanglakpam Nilakanta Sharma (Men’s Hockey). KDS also prayed to the almighty for good fortune for these players.
After Pangambam Nilakamol Singh played in the Los Angel (USA) Olympic Games, 1984 as a goalkeeper in the Men’s Hockey, Manipur has produced a stream of fine athletes, representing the country, even winning a medal, KDS said. Acknowledging the potential of this hilly state, it is rightly dubbed the ‘Powerhouse of Indian sports’, it added.
KDS lamented the state witnessed many young athletes unable to perform and not getting selected and it is unfortunate. The state needs to introspect the reason why young athletes are not able to maintain their performance despite their potential. The society also mooted for a special initiative to look into the problem so that the state can produce many Olympic medalists in the future.
KDS also drew the attention of the state government to look into the state of affairs of many veteran Olympians of the state and other sportspersons.
Tokyo, 2020 is slated to begin on July 23, 2021 and conclude on August 8, 2021. The games were postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.