M.K. Stalin Invites Sportspersons From Manipur to Train in Tamil Nadu
New Delhi: Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin has invited sportspersons from Manipur to come and train in his state, so that the ongoing ethnic conflict does not come in the way of their prospects. Tamil Nadu is set to host the ‘Khelo India Games’ next year, and Stalin said Manipuri sportspersons can use infrastructure of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu for the purpose of training.
“Understanding the current challenges faced by Manipur sportspersons, I cordially invite athletes from Manipur for sports training in Tamil Nadu ahead of #KheloIndia2024. Hon’ble Minister @Udhaystalin has also promised his support to facilitate their stay and training here. Let’s embrace the Tamil spirit of “Yaathum Oore Yaavarum Kelir” (To us, the world is one, all humans are our kin),” the chief minister said on Twitter.
Understanding the current challenges faced by Manipur sportspersons, I cordially invite athletes from Manipur for sports training in Tamil Nadu ahead of #KheloIndia2024. Hon’ble Minister @Udhaystalin has also promised his support to facilitate their stay and training here.
Let’s… https://t.co/aHA9nqOTM8
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) July 23, 2023
The problems facing sportspeople in Manipur was earlier highlighted by Olympic silver medallist weightlifter Mirabai Chanu. In a video in which she asked the prime minister and Union home minister to ensure peace, she said the ongoing conflict will have a long-term impact on sportspersons from the northeast, as they are having to forgo training sessions and stay home for security reasons.
The Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party has hit out at Stalin for his suggestion, saying the Manipur state government is taking action on security concerns.“What the CM (Stalin) is doing now is not just funny and strange, but also shows he is a full-time politician. We (BJP-led centre) started Khelo India, we know how to train (the sportspersons),” BJP state president K. Annamali said, according to The New Indian Express. “Let the CM focus on the Cauvery issue and get our due share of water from Karnataka.”
