The Manipur government handed over 337 acres of land to the union ministry of youth affairs and sports for setting up of India's first national sports university at Yaithibi Khunou in Thoubal district of the state, informed sources from office of the Chief Minister of Manipur.
Earlier a team, headed by the Secretary Sports, Government of India, had visited Manipur in August 2014 and identified the site for establishment of the university.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first visit to Manipur in November last year announced to set up the sports university in the state, which is rich in diverse sports talents.
"Sports was the fulcrum of tremendous economic activity and several allied disciplines such as nutrition and physiotherapy could boost employment prospects for the youth of Manipur. The state has a big contribution in making India proud in world sports," said Modi while lauding the role state in the games and sports during his speech.
"This sports university would not only be unique in India, but also a tribute to the consistent and glorious contribution made by Manipuri youth in Olympics and other international arena," said Jitendra Singh, Union minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
"This sports university would not only be unique in India, but also a tribute to the consistent and glorious contribution made by Manipuri youth in Olympics and other international arena," added Jitendra Singh further.
The work on the national sports university would begin soon at Yaithibi Khunou, 30 km southeast of capital Imphal.