Imphal:   Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday visited Loktak Lake in Manipur during a two-day tour of the state, where he engaged with local athletes and leaders. At the Regional Water Sports Complex in Takmu, Mandaviya met with young athletes involved in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking, who expressed concerns about inadequate equipment and facilities.

Mandaviya assured them that upgrades would be made, either through the Sports Authority of India’s Center of Excellence in Water Sports or by integrating the complex into the National Sports University in Imphal. He also responded positively to a request by M. Asnikumar Singh, Chairperson of the Loktak Development Authority, to support a national championship at Loktak Lake.

Additionally, Mandaviya held discussions with state officials, including Public Works Minister K Govindas and PHED Minister L Susindro Meitei, emphasizing the need for the conservation and sustainable development of Loktak Lake. He reiterated the central government’s commitment to supporting local youth and preserving natural resources in the region.

Mandaviya also visited Churachandpur, where he met with District Level Officers at the Mini-Secretariat in Tuibong. After being briefed on local developments and schemes, he distributed sports materials to internally displaced persons and interacted with student representatives. 

He planted a tree on the Mini-Secretariat campus as part of the Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan before concluding his visit.