Sports promote perseverance, unity and discipline: Manipur Governor at NCC event
Imphal, May 29
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Friday highlighted the importance of sports and cultural activities, saying that sports teach the values of perseverance, cooperation, and the graceful acceptance of both victory and defeat.
The Governor, along with his wife Jyoti Bhalla, graced the grand finale of the NCC Ekta Cup 2026 at the Artificial Turf Ground, Lamlong Thongkhong in Imphal. Addressing the gathering, he said that cultural programmes remind people of the richness of India's diversity and help strengthen the values of respect, harmony, and unity.
Bhalla expressed happiness at being part of the concluding function of the first-ever NCC Ekta Cup organised in Manipur. He observed that the tournament had showcased not only sporting excellence and healthy competition but also discipline, teamwork, friendship and the spirit of national integration.
The Governor stated that the word "Ekta" signifies unity and remarked that the tournament had truly reflected its noble meaning by bringing together young cadets and students from diverse backgrounds.
Bhalla, who earlier served as Union Home Secretary, highlighted the role of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in shaping disciplined, confident and patriotic citizens. He said that initiatives such as the NCC Ekta Cup contribute significantly towards preparing the youth to succeed in life and serve society and the nation with commitment and dedication.
The Under-17 Boys' Football Tournament was organised by the NCC Group Headquarters, Imphal, under the NCC Northeast Region Headquarters in Shillong.
The event began with spectacular cultural and musical performances presented by local artists Manka Mayanglambam and John Oinam, respectively.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, who holds the Forest, Environment and Climate Change portfolio, senior NCC officers, cadets and students attended the event. The final match was played between NCC and RFA, with NCC registering a 1-0 victory.
— IANS
Reader Comments
"Ekta" means unity, and that's exactly what we need more of in these times. Manipur has always been a powerhouse for sports, especially football, so hosting this tournament there makes perfect sense. Kudos to the NCC for organizing such events that build character and national integration! 🇮🇳⚽
Good initiative, but I wonder if enough attention is given to the mental health and holistic development of these cadets. Discipline is important, yes, but we also need to ensure that young athletes don't face burnout or excessive pressure. Balance is key, and I hope the NCC keeps that in mind.
As someone who grew up in the US but has family in India, I appreciate seeing how sports are used to teach life lessons and unity here. The cultural performances by local artists like Manka Mayanglambam add a beautiful touch—celebrating diversity while competing. That's real progress! Very impressed.
Manipur's contribution to Indian sports is unmatched—from boxing to football to weightlifting. Events like the NCC Ekta Cup are exactly what our youth need. The fact that the Deputy CM also attended shows the state's commitment. Hope this becomes a regular feature and inspires more such tournaments across the Northeast! 👏
I must say, the Indian approach to integrating sports with discipline and national service is quite unique. The Governor's background as former Home Secretary adds weight to his words about NCC shaping patriotic citizens. While I respect the emphasis on unity, I'd love to see more stories about individual cadets' journeys and achievements beyond the team dynamics.
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