States » EastPosted at: Oct 16 2026 10:28PM


Manipur holds consultation on Youth, Sports policies 2026

Imphal, Oct 16 (UNI) The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur, today began a two-day consultative meeting on the proposed Manipur State Youth Policy, 2026, and Manipur State Sports Policy, 2026, to develop comprehensive policy frameworks for youth empowerment, sports development and the promotion of sporting excellence in the State through stakeholder participation and practical recommendations.
The consultations were held at the Canteen Hall of Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, opposite the Indoor Stadium.


Addressing the inaugural session, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Govindas Konthoujam stressed the need to support Manipur’s rich sporting heritage and natural talent through proper guidance, scientific training and a strong institutional framework.
Recalling the evolution of sports policies in the State, he said Manipur’s first sports policy was drafted in 1992 in line with the National Sports Policy of 1984 and was subsequently updated in 2003 alongside the Youth Policy.
He said changing trends and emerging requirements in sports and youth affairs had made it necessary to revise the policies to address present-day challenges.

Highlighting the State’s sporting achievements, the Minister said Manipur had produced 19 Olympians, reflecting its considerable sporting potential.
However, he emphasised that sustaining such achievements required scientific talent identification, modern coaching techniques and specialised support for athletes.

Referring to Khelo Bharat Niti, 2025, he said developments at the national level had further underscored the need for a comprehensive and forward-looking sports policy in Manipur.

The Minister highlighted the importance of sports science in identifying athletes’ physiological characteristics, physical capabilities and individual strengths to determine suitable sporting disciplines and improve performance.
He also stressed the need for sports medicine, scientific coaching and specialised training facilities, citing the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala, as an example of structured sports development.

The proposed Manipur State Sports Policy, 2026, seeks to establish a modern, inclusive and athlete-centric sports ecosystem through scientific talent scouting, improved infrastructure, high-performance training, athlete welfare and transparent governance.
It also envisages stronger coordination among government departments, educational institutions, sports associations, local bodies and private stakeholders.

Emphasising that youth development should extend beyond sports, Govindas Konthoujam said young people who could not secure recognition in sports or other fields should receive appropriate guidance, skill development opportunities and support to build meaningful careers.

Referring to youth engagement initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country, he stressed the need to create more avenues for constructive youth participation in Manipur.

The proposed Manipur State Youth Policy, 2026, aims to promote education, entrepreneurship, leadership, sports, health, culture, digital empowerment and social cohesion. It envisions young people as active contributors to peace, progress, innovation and sustainable development while encouraging self-reliance, social responsibility and the preservation of the State’s cultural identity.

Acknowledging the financial constraints faced by the State, the Minister expressed hope that the consultation would generate practical suggestions and help formulate policies that could be implemented effectively. He emphasised that collective participation was essential to translating the proposed initiatives into tangible benefits for Manipur’s youth.

Secretary of Youth Affairs and Sports N. Praveen Singh said the two policies must remain responsive to changing trends, emerging challenges and the aspirations of young people. He said consultations with experienced individuals and stakeholders had been undertaken to ensure that the policies reflected the needs and realities of the State.

Highlighting the relationship between education and sports, he stressed the need for schools and sports institutions to work in coordination so that young people could pursue their education while developing their sporting abilities. He observed that the separation of the two sectors often restricted opportunities for promising athletes.

The Secretary said the Department had sought to incorporate grassroots-level needs and address the requirements of young people up to the last mile. He emphasised scientific knowledge, skill development and stakeholder participation in identifying and nurturing talent, expressing hope that the consultation would help bridge existing gaps and establish a practical framework for youth development and sporting advancement.

Director of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mayengbam Veto Singh said the consultation was aligned with the broader national approach to youth development, including Khelo Bharat Niti, 2025, and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those concerning youth engagement.

Observing that sports development had traditionally focused largely on physical infrastructure and playgrounds, he said a more comprehensive approach was now necessary. He highlighted the importance of integrating talent identification, scientific training, athlete welfare, policy planning and institutional support to meet contemporary sporting requirements.

Dr. Veto Singh said the Department was gathering views from sportspersons, coaches, administrators, sports journalists and other stakeholders to ensure that the proposed policies were practical and relevant. Public feedback would also be sought before the policy documents were finalised.

He further highlighted the potential role of corporate social responsibility initiatives, sports entrepreneurs, incubation centres and skill development institutions in supporting youth-oriented programmes. Collaboration with these stakeholders, he said, could help mobilise resources, expand opportunities and strengthen implementation despite financial constraints.


The proposed Manipur State Sports Policy, 2026, also emphasises gender equity, para sports, indigenous games and safe sporting environments. While seeking to preserve the State’s traditional sporting practices, it aims to incorporate modern technologies and global best practices to improve performance and broaden participation.


The Manipur State Youth Policy, 2026, similarly envisages an enabling environment in which young people can become physically fit, mentally resilient, culturally rooted and socially responsible.
It seeks to strengthen coordination among government institutions, educational institutions, communities, civil society and the private sector to help young people realise their potential and contribute to the State’s development.

Both policies emphasise inclusive participation, transparent systems, measurable outcomes and continuous monitoring to ensure effective implementation. Their success will depend on sustained institutional support and the active involvement of athletes, coaches, administrators, communities and young people.

The two-day consultation is expected to provide a platform for exchanging experiences, identifying gaps and incorporating stakeholder recommendations to strengthen the proposed policies and establish a clear direction for youth engagement and sports development in Manipur.

Among those present at the inaugural function were Dronacharya Awardee L. Ibomcha Singh, Olympian N. Kunjarani Devi, officers of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and other stakeholders from the sporting community.

UNI NS RN
Tags: #Manipur holds consultation on Youth# Sports policies 2026
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