Imphal: Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh urged the sports associations of the state to shun infighting and work collectively to enhance performance of their respective disciplines.

Addressing a gathering at the State-Level Funaba Championship at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium in Imphal East district on Sunday, he said, "Some sports associations are apparently defunct owing to infighting." The chief minister said the younger generation should be given a chance to serve the associations. He said nothing can be achieved without discipline as it is the foundation of success.

Biren Singh also stressed on the need to hold a special seminar for three days to make a review of the performance by state players in the recent national and international tournaments. The government is planning to hire coaches from Tata Football Academy and Belgium to train the young talents in Manipur.

The championship's organiser, World Funaba Federation, led by Ranbir Laishram, donated an ambulance to the state government.

Wushu Arjuna awardee M. Bimoljit Singh, wushu player Y. Sapana and archer Paonam Lily Chanu were feted with cash rewards at the function.