Manipur University, 5 March 2025: A three-day International Conference on Exploring Current Trends in Physical Education and Sports Science: Innovations, Challenges, and Opportunities (ICECTPESS), organized by the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Manipur University (MU), was inaugurated on 5th March 2025 at the Auditorium, Manipur University (MU). The conference aims to foster innovations, explore opportunities, and address challenges in sports and physical education.
The inaugural function featured special cultural performances showcasing the rich traditions, heritage, and art forms of Manipur, including Manipuri martial arts (Thang-Ta), Pena invocation, Moibung invocation, and Pung Cholom. During the function, the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour also released a conference souvenir and a book.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University, highlighted the tremendous advancements in sports technology. He emphasized that research in kinesiology, biomechanics, and sports medicine has made significant progress and urged sports educators to create platforms for enhancing skills and knowledge.
Focusing on collaborative efforts, Prof. Lokendra Singh stated that collaboration is essential for excellence, as it facilitates the exchange of ideas and research innovations in sports science. He also congratulated Dr. L. Santosh Singh, Organizing Secretary of the conference, for successfully facilitating the publication of conference papers in Scopus-indexed journals.
In his inspiring speech, Prof. Lokendra Singh remarked that students from Manipur and neighboring states possess the right aptitude and physical capabilities for excelling in sports. He expressed confidence that the conference would motivate young athletes, students, and researchers, fostering meaningful discussions and academic linkages. He further stated that this event would act as a catalyst for transformative changes in the fields of physical education and sports science.
Speaking as a Guest of Honour, Prof. Oleksandr Krasilshchikov from Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia, acknowledged Manipur University as an emerging hub for successful international conferences. He highlighted that sports science is becoming increasingly dynamic as India prepares its bid to host the 2036 Olympics. He added that this conference could serve as a stepping stone in realizing India's Olympic aspirations.
Meanwhile, Dr. Piyush Jain, Secretary of the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI), asserted that sports are not just played on the field but also shaped in classrooms. He emphasized the crucial role of sports scientists, sports management experts, and sports engineers in advancing India’s preparation for hosting the 2036 Olympics.
Prof. Arjunsinh Rana, Former Vice-Chancellor of Swarnim Gujarat Sports University, reflected on the role of sports in realizing the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, envisioning India as a global sports leader. He stressed that sports are not just a source of entertainment but a foundation for moral, ethical, and mental development. He further highlighted how sports instill dedication, discipline, leadership, and teamwork. Discussing the integration of technology in modern sports, he elaborated on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing sports training and performance analysis.
Senior Prof. Laxmikanth Rathor, Former Vice-Chancellor of Palamuru University, Telangana, spoke about the transformative impact of technology on physical education, fitness, and sports performance. He stated that technological advancements have enhanced sports science, data analytics, and performance tracking, leading to optimized training programs and improved results.
Prof. Premlata Maisnam, Dean, School of Education, Manipur University, emphasized that the conference serves as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and academic progress. She urged delegates and participants to engage in rigorous discussions with esteemed experts from India and abroad.
Dr. L. Santosh Singh, Organizing Secretary of the conference, extended a warm welcome to distinguished guests, international and national invitees, speakers, delegates, research scholars, and students. Dr. L. Thambal Singh, Head, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, MU, proposed the vote of thanks.
The conference is sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, and supported by prestigious academic partners, including:
The three-day International Conference is expected to be highly beneficial for participants, including international and national delegates from the field of physical education and sports science.
