The Assam Rifles celebrated National Sports Day 2025 across Manipur with sports events, youth engagement, and free medical camps. Spanning Chandel, Thoubal, and Tengnoupal districts, the celebrations promoted fitness, unity, and rural healthcare, reaffirming the Force’s role as the “Sentinels of the North-East.”
The Assam Rifles, known as the “Sentinels of the North-East,” celebrated National Sports Day 2025 with vibrant enthusiasm and patriotic fervour across several districts of Manipur, reaffirming its commitment to youth empowerment, physical fitness, and community harmony. Officials said on Sunday that the three-day celebrations, held from August 29 to 31, paid tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand while promoting the values of sportsmanship and unity in the region.
A Defence Spokesman highlighted that the events spanned across Chandel, Thoubal, and Tengnoupal districts, where the Assam Rifles brought together local communities, children, and youth through a series of friendly competitions, fitness awareness sessions, and goodwill initiatives.
Celebrations in Chandel District
In Chandel district, the festivities were held in Sajik Tampak, Longja, Hringphe, Molcham, and Changpol villages, drawing significant participation from villagers and local leaders. The programme began on August 30 at Sajik Tampak with a friendly volleyball match between Assam Rifles personnel and youth from Longja village.
The following day, the Force conducted a fitness awareness session for 40 children at the Oriental Children’s Home in Hringphe, spreading the message of physical well-being, discipline, and team spirit. The celebrations concluded with cultural exchanges and community interactions, where residents expressed deep appreciation for the Assam Rifles’ role in strengthening harmony and fostering national pride.
Sporting Bonds in Thoubal District
In Thoubal district, the Assam Rifles organised a friendship volleyball match at its company operating base on Sunday. The event saw participation from 45 individuals, including 27 Assam Rifles personnel and 18 local students. The match not only encouraged physical fitness but also created a strong bond of camaraderie between the security forces and the local youth.
Unity Through Sports in Tengnoupal District
The celebrations extended to Tengnoupal district, where a spirited friendly volleyball match was played with the youth of S. Moljol village. The Defence Spokesman noted that such events have proven to be effective in bridging cultural and social divides, using sport as a medium to inspire young people and bring communities together.
Across all districts, the Assam Rifles demonstrated its ethos of service and integration by leveraging the unifying power of sports. By engaging youth and local residents, the Force reinforced its image not only as a guardian of the North-East but also as a catalyst for peace and development.
Free Medical Camps for Rural Healthcare
In addition to the sports celebrations, the Assam Rifles also undertook a community welfare initiative aimed at uplifting healthcare access in tribal and rural areas of Manipur. Free medical camps were organised in Kakching and Ukhrul districts, benefitting over 185 villagers, including women and children.
Doctors and medical staff from the Assam Rifles provided consultations, distributed free medicines, and offered guidance on preventive healthcare practices. Local villagers expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that such outreach efforts significantly ease the challenges of accessing reliable healthcare in remote regions.
A Message of Service and Unity
Through these initiatives, the Assam Rifles underscored its dual role as defenders of security and promoters of social well-being. By celebrating National Sports Day with the people of Manipur and extending medical care to underserved regions, the Force has once again reinforced its motto of being the “Sentinels of the North-East”—protecting, empowering, and uplifting communities with equal dedication.
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The celebrations, blending sportsmanship, healthcare, and community service, not only paid homage to Major Dhyan Chand but also highlighted the enduring spirit of unity and resilience that defines the North-East.
