Several sporting events are being organised across the north-east region to give youth an opportunity to showcase their talent.
Some 300 players from five districts of Manipur participated in a state level martial arts event called 'Jeet Kune-Do Championship' recently.
The three-day contest, organised by the Jeet Kune Do association, was held at Yairipok Bishnunaha Indoor Stadium in Imphal. The event had three categories - Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior.
The main objective of the championship was to develop the skills and techniques of the participants along with the selection of players for the upcoming national event.
"After this championship we will participate in national and international championships in the month of July. We are also going to participate in World Martial Arts game which will be held in Mumbai from November 25th to 30th. This game is organized by the Ministry of sports and youth affairs government of India," said Ibomcha Singh, Joint secretary of the Jeet Kune Do Association.
One of the participants, Faraj Khan, said that he aspired to win a gold medal.
"I believe that I will become a famous player and a gold medalist someday. That is why I'm playing this," he said.
Meanwhile, Assam Football Association (AFA) is organising a tournament in Jorhat provide a platform to local players.
A total of 12 clubs with six clubs each from Upper Assam and Lower Assam are participating in the tournament.
Secretary of AFA, Ankur Dutta, said that the main aim of the tournament is to promote club football in the state.
"The basic objective of the Assam State Premier League is to promote the club football of the state and it will be very important for the local players to get this platform. So beginning is very good all the clubs are taking good initiative and I'm confident that it will also bring the professionalism in the football all over state," he said.
"I have been playing for Morning Star for 8 years. I feel very good to play here. Assam premier league is the biggest tournament for us, so we have played seven matches and won in all the matches," said Lachit Borah, a player.
Youngsters in northeast are naturally inclined towards sports. Regularly providing them with such platforms to showcase their skills will go a long way in encouraging them to perform better.
