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A Correspondent
Itanagar, Mar 13: Acknowledging that Arunachal Pradesh in recent years has made a quantum jump in the games and sports sector, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday announced the state government’s commitment to pay special attention to the sector in terms of funds in the next few years.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the third State Olympics Games at Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy (SLSA) here, Khandu informed that Arunachal Pradesh will be the biggest gainer from the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission as per an interim report and assured that special provisions would be kept for developing sports infrastructure in the state.
“The potential of our sportspersons has been proved in the recent Khelo India Games, wherein we emerged third amongst the Northeastern states and 23rd in the country. We will focus on improving the overall sports scenario of the state during this five-year term,” he said.
Khandu attributed the success to the vision of the Prime Minister in channelizing the youth force in games and sports especially through the Khelo India initiative.
“By allotting the Youth Affairs and Sports ministry to one of the most hardworking central minister Kiren Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, shows the commitment of the Prime Minister in developing the sector, particularly that of the North East,” the chief minister said.
“We in the state government are committed to produce future Olympians by providing all required facilities, incentives and infrastructure,” he said.
Stating that due to discontinuation of the Special Plan Allocation (SPA), several sports infrastructures could not be completed, Khandu, however, informed that the state government has sanctioned gap funds for completion of all such infrastructure.
He informed that stadiums at Ziro, Pasighat, Daporijo have been completed others at Aalo, Yupia, Tezu and SLSA are in various stages of completion.
He added that the government plans to have one quality outdoor stadium in every district of the state.
The chief minister also agreed to support the construction of a State Olympic Bhavan provided the sports department identified a suitable plot of land in the state capital vicinity.
To give a boost to the growing enthusiasm in sports, Khandu offered to host the 2026 National Games in Arunachal Pradesh and said an official proposal would be submitted to the union sports ministry and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
“I am a very practical man. I knew we would not be able to create the infrastructure needed to host the National Games by 2024. But by 2026, I assure our state will be fully ready to host it,” he said.
Khandu requested Rajiv Mehta, Secretary-General of the Indian Olympic Association, who was also present on the occasion, to positively consider the proposal at his level in the Association.
Mehta, on his part, assured to support the proposal when it comes up for consideration in the Indian Olympic Association. He saw no reason for his colleagues in the Association not to permit Arunachal Pradesh to host the 2026 National Games.
The IOA Secretary-General expressed optimism that the North East, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, would excel in athletics and sports and bring laurels at the international level for India.
“I can foresee a bright future. When you have excelled despite lack of proper facilities and infrastructure, I can see no reasons for you not to excel at the international level when all facilities come up in the next few years,” he said while appreciating the Chief Minister’s commitment to develop sports infrastructure in the state.
The opening ceremony witnessed action-packed demonstrations by the state’s Wushu, Karate, Taekwondo and Judo teams. The games that will see hundreds of athletes from the districts vie for the top honors in 15 categories are scheduled to conclude on March 15.