Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Saturday opened the first edition of the Northeast Aero Sports Hot Air Baloon & Para Motors Fiesta in Manipur’s Bishnupur district.

The Union minister who arrived in Imphal today on a few hours visit in the state declared open the fiesta in the presence of state rural development and panchayati raj minister Y Khemchand and education minister Th Basantakumar among other dignitaries.

The six-day fiesta organized by SkyFunzy, a unit of Khasia Ventures Pvt. Ltd., in collaboration with Captain Imochaoba Singh was being held at Phubala public playground in Moirang of Bishnupur district.

The event is being organized with the motto to establish and sustainable air sports ecosystem in India with the goal of making India one of the top sports nations by 2032, northeast for aero sports, Manipur in particular.

The festival aimed to promote aero sports activities for youth of Manipur and northeast and for bringing aero sports on the radar of youth participation and engagement and tourism to Manipur from across India and beyond.

During the festival, the opportunity to participate in various interesting events like paramotoring, balloon safari, balloon tethering, rock concerts, cultural and social programs, etc. will be given to the visitors.

The formal opening function was, however, disturbed by a strong wind that blew away the platform of the function.

The festivals would not only help boost tourism in the state but will also contribute immensely to improving the sports culture in this category, said the Union minister who talked to reporters.

The Union minister also talked about India's G20 presidency and said that 2023 is an important year for the country. India has received the opportunity to assume G20 Presidency and host various events at various cities across the state.

To mention here, Manipur is hosting events of the G20 summit on February 17 and 18 with recently developed Sangai Ethnic Park in Moirang of Bishnupur district as event venue.

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EP/LPD

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