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IMPHAL, February 22
Altogether 456 athletes from across Manipur includingaround 53 female took part at the BJP’s “Run Marathon 2015” held inImphal today with the theme “Anti-corruption and Good Governance”.Sports Cell of the Manipur Pradesh BJP organized the marathon inassociation with Athletic Association of Manipur. It was flagged off BJP leader and Almora MP Ajay Tamata from state BJP office at Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal.
The marathon run passed through the streets on Mayai Lambi, Pishum, Singjamei, Kongba Road, Ayangpali Road, Lamlong, Dingku Road, Thangmeiband DM College Road, RIMS Road, Naoremthong, Tera Bazaar, Sayang Road, Kwakeithel Tiddim Road before converging at the originating point, BJP office.An athlete from Yairipok of Thoubal Sajit Luwang bagged the first position by reaching the finishing line in one hour 8 minutes and 8 seconds while O Sanaton of Oinam and L Ranjan of Moirang secured second and third respectively in men’s category.
For the women’ category S Premila of Yairipok who touched the finishing line in one hour 30 minutes and 45 seconds bagged first position of the category while MK Minarashi secured the second position.
Cash awards of Rs 30000 each were given to the first position holders of the both the category while the second and third position were awarded with Rs 20000 each and 15000 each respectively.
The prizes were distributed by convener of national sports cell of the party Sunil Gupta.
Addressing at the prize distribution function held after the marathon run, the state BJP president Th Chaoba said blamed the authorities of state youth affairs and sports were responsible for state’s weak performance in the recently concluded 35 National Games, hosted by Kerala.
“It is shame for the state,” when the state was reduced to 7th position in the National Games even as it was regarded as powerhouse of sports in the country of the country, he said.The weak performance reflected the dishonesty and corruption practices within the state youth affairs and sports department, alleged.
He added that many excellent players of the state had taken part in the competition representing other states and services as well and won medals.
This showed that the state has plenty of good sportspersons. But, they left the state owing to lack of sincerity among the authorities of the state government, he alleged.
While alleging the government was playing politics in selecting site for setting up Sports University in the state.
