Held back by soaring flight fares, no sponsorship, and logistical chaos, Manipur’s para players have pushed through sheer grit to represent the state at the 2nd North East Para Sports Meet 2025, which began today at the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Nalapara Road, Sarusajai, Guwahati.
The three-day sporting event showcases more than 700 para sport talents from across the region and will conclude on November 29.
Leading Manipur’s struggle and pride is noted social activist Dr. Kiran Yendrembam, serving as the Chief De-Mission, alongside Manipur Para Olympic Association President Kangjam Birendra Singh and GA Anjan Sharma.
Nineteen members, including seven athletes and five officials, have made it to the meet after battling what Dr. Kiran described as “avoidable obstacles that discourage talent rather than nurture it.”
He revealed that Manipur players faced hardships due to flight ticket complications worsened by the absence of sponsorships, despite repeated attempts.
He urged authorities and airlines to ensure fair travel support, pointing out that autonomous bodies under the Aviation Ministry must not profit at the cost of athletes’ dreams. “Even under President’s Rule and without backing, our players compete with pride. Manipur remains India’s true Sports Hub because of them,” he remarked.
Manipur had secured 12 medals in the previous edition of the North East Para Sports Meet. This year, despite limited resources, the team hopes to bring home another strong tally of 10 to 12 medals, proving once again that resilience, not privilege, drives their success.
