The Chief Minister made the remarks while attending the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Chingamathak College Road Youths’ Development Association (CRYDA) in Imphal on Thursday.
The celebration took place at Ima Chinga Lairembi Meetin Shang in Chingamathak, Nameirakpam Leikai. Khemchand Singh highlighted how community-based organisations help identify sporting talent and support young people.
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Local Clubs Help Nurture Young Sporting Talent
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said local clubs play an important role in shaping the character of young people.
He noted that Manipur’s success in producing sportspersons also reflects the support provided by these organisations. Many clubs assist talented young athletes, particularly those from economically weaker families.
Such support helps young people pursue sports despite financial challenges. The Chief Minister also described this community-based support as an important part of Manipur’s sporting culture.
He added that government assistance remains important. However, local clubs also make a significant contribution to identifying talent and encouraging young athletes.
CM Highlights Community Support
Khemchand Singh said local clubs do more than promote sports. They also help build discipline, character and a sense of responsibility among young people.
Their involvement creates opportunities for youth to develop their abilities and participate in sporting activities.
The Chief Minister said Manipur could take pride in this tradition of community participation. He acknowledged that government initiatives and grassroots support work together in developing the state’s sporting environment.
Law-and-Order Situation Limits Public Interaction
Recalling his earlier tenure as Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Khemchand Singh said he had more time to visit localities in the Singjamei constituency.
He could meet residents, inspect areas and address their grievances during those visits.
However, he said the prevailing law-and-order situation has limited his ability to interact with people as frequently since he became Chief Minister.
He appealed to residents to extend collective support and cooperation towards restoring normalcy in Manipur.
CRYDA Celebrates 50 Years
During the programme, the Chief Minister referred to prominent leaders Irengbam Tompok Singh and Haobam Bhuban Singh. He described them as the “Pride of Singjamei” and expressed his hope that people would remember him in a similar way.
CRYDA president Kakchingtabam Ajitkumar Sharma thanked local residents and members of the Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee for their participation.
He said the association could not function effectively without active community involvement and support.
As part of the celebration, Khemchand Singh paid floral tributes to the association’s departed founder members. Organisers also presented mementos to founder members, former and present office-bearers, donors and committee members.
Imphal Municipal Corporation Acting Mayor Laisangbam Lokeshwar Singh, Ward No. 15 Corporator Thokchom Bankimchandra Singh, Ward No. 16 Corporator Thokchom Eliza and other dignitaries attended the event.
The Golden Jubilee celebration recognised CRYDA’s five decades of community involvement while highlighting the continuing role of local clubs in supporting youth and sports development in Manipur.