Yupia, Apr 18: The Arunachal State Games will become an annual fixture in the state’s sports calendar, Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced on Friday while inaugurating the fourth edition of the Games at the Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium in Yupia.
Highlighting the rising achievements of athletes from the state at national and international levels, Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh now ranks second in the Northeast in terms of sporting success. He underlined the state government’s commitment to identifying young talent at the grassroots level and nurturing them to represent the country at global events, including the Olympics.
“We are not only focused on building world-class sports infrastructure but are also developing a comprehensive roadmap for long-term athlete development,” Khandu said. He also announced plans to constitute a State Sports Authority to streamline coordination among various sporting bodies.
The chief minister acknowledged the impact of the Khelo India initiative under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reiterated the state government’s resolve to further expand the reach and effectiveness of sports development programmes in Arunachal Pradesh.
Minister for sports and youth affairs Kento Jini outlined several infrastructure development projects aimed at improving sports facilities across the state. He noted the steady progress in sports infrastructure expansion and said efforts are underway to provide improved training environments for athletes.
Olympic bronze medallist and world boxing champion Lovlina Borgohain, who attended the event as guest of honour, encouraged the participants to remain focused and resilient. “Perseverance and dedication are key. Never give up on your dreams,” she said in her address to the athletes.
President of the Arunachal Olympic Association, Taba Tedir, in his welcome speech, emphasised that the State Games serve not only to identify and groom sporting talent but also act as a platform for youth engagement and social reform.
More than 4,300 participants, including athletes, coaches, and trainers, are competing in the Games across venues in Itanagar and Naharlagun over a five-day period. Medal winners from the 35th to the 38th National Games were felicitated during the inaugural ceremony, which also featured demonstrations by Wushu and Taekwondo athletes from Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy and a musical performance by Lenzing Doming.
The event was attended by Namsai MLA and advisor to sports and youth affairs Zingnu Namchoom, Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso, mayor Tame Phassang, BJP state president Kaling Moyong, deputy commissioner of Papum Pare Jiken Bomjen, superintendent of police Taru Gusar, and senior officials from the department and the Arunachal Football Federation.
