Implement sports policy: Richo

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITAGAR, Jun 26: Aruchal Olympic Association (AOA) president Padi Richo has urged the state government to instruct all the government departments to properly implement the order of reservation for meritorious sportspersons in government jobs.

Addressing media persons after being re-elected as the president of AOA, Richo said that the first and foremost agenda of the newly constituted body of the association would be to approach the government for development of necessary sports infrastructure, including early materialization of the demand for a multi-purpose indoor stadium in Capital Complex.

Richo, on the occasion urged the state government for early implementation of sports policy and provide fincial assistance as grant-in-aid for smooth functioning of the AOA.

He also sought support and cooperation from the government, all the sports associations and sports magers towards AOA’s endeavors to develop sports in the state.

AOA general secretary Abraham K Techi also said that the association will pursue vigorously with the government for the multi-purpose stadium which is a long-felt demand of the sports fraternity of state.

Saying that AOA was there to discipline all the undisciplined sports association, if any, Abraham called upon all to maintain strict discipline and unity within the association.

Also discouraging the mentality of playing sports only to land a government job somehow under sports quota, he said, “This kind of mentality on part of the sportspersons will in no way help achieve greater height in sports sector.”

Andeswar Pandey from Indian Olympic Association (IOA), who was the observer for the first ever election of the AOA, assured IOAs all help and support to Aruchal Olympic Association in bringing more and more projects under sports ministry to Aruchal.

“There are so many developmental projects under sports ministry and IOA will definitely help bring few of such important projects to Aruchal Pradesh,” he assured. He, however, said that IOA will be able to take up the matter successfully with the ministry concerned only when AOA and state government work in unison.

Earlier, AOA outgoing general secretary Geshi Doke highlighted few achievements of the AOA during his tenure, including reservation of job for meritorious sportspersons in government departments.