The 15th Journalists’ Sports Meet, organised by the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), commenced on Sunday with the ceremonial lighting of the sacred fire at Kangla Fort.

Members of AMWJU, accompanied by Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma, Director of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), carried the sacred torch from Kangla Fort to the Manipur Press Club at Majorkhul as part of the opening ceremony.

The union flag was jointly hoisted by AMWJU President Asem Bhakta, Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) President Khogendra Khomdram and AMWJU Advisor Irengbam Arun in the presence of the chief guest, Prof. Sunil Sharma.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Sharma highlighted Manipur’s remarkable sporting legacy, stating that the state has produced the highest number of Olympians per capita in India, with nearly 19 Olympians hailing from the state so far. He noted that sports are deeply ingrained in Manipuri culture and that the state is widely recognised across the country for its sporting excellence.

Emphasising the role of the media, he described journalism as the mirror of society and underscored its vital contribution to strengthening democracy.

Prof. Sharma also expressed concern over the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, attributing the rise to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits. He pointed out that conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity have reached alarming levels, with diabetes now being diagnosed in individuals as young as 30 years — a significant shift compared to five decades ago. He appealed to the public to create greater awareness about organ donation.

Announcing a welfare initiative for media professionals, he said a free health camp for journalists will be organised at the Manipur Press Club later this month.

The torch rally from Kangla to the Manipur Press Club, originally scheduled for March 3, was advanced to March 2 due to the closure of the Kangla Temple in view of the lunar eclipse.