ITANAGAR, Aug 2: Arunachal Pradesh is set to see a remarkable boost in sports infrastructure, thanks to a significant allocation of funds under the Khelo India Scheme.

This substantial investment, as revealed by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, underscores the Central government’s dedication to enhancing sports facilities in this northeastern state.

In a recent response to a Lok Sabha query, Dr Mandaviya disclosed that Arunachal Pradesh has received ?148.91 crore under the Khelo India Scheme, marking it as the third-highest recipient of funds nationwide.

This generous allocation places the state just behind Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, which have received ?438.27 crore and ?426.13 crore respectively. This financial support is pivotal in advancing the state's sports infrastructure.

The Khelo India Scheme’s total expenditure amounts to ?2,168.78 crore across various states and Union Territories.

Arunachal is actively utilizing this funding with 21 infrastructure projects underway.

Of these, five have already been completed, including multi-purpose halls in Tirbin, Basar (Leparada), Wakro (Lohit), Roing (Lower Dibang Valley), and Dirang (West Kameng), as well as a synthetic athletic track in Tawang.

Current undergoing projects include multi-purpose halls under construction in locations such as Khenewa (East Kameng), Pania (Kra-Daadi), Nacho, Kodukha, and Government Secondary School (Lida) (Upper Subansiri), as well as in Palin (Kra-Daadi), Government Higher Secondary School (Itanagar), Kaimai (Tirap), Raga (Lower Subansiri), Kiyit (East Siang), Bilat (East Siang), Mahadevpur (Namsai), Lumla (Tawang), Mechukha (Shi-Yomi), and Boa Simla (Kamle).

Furthermore, a 120-bedded hostel and Integrated Sports Complex at the SAI National Center of Excellence in Itanagar is already 41% complete.

These projects, sanctioned between 2017 and 2022, reflect the Khelo India Scheme’s pivotal role in transforming sports infrastructure and nurturing grassroots talent across the country.