NEW DELHI, SEP 7:
The North East Sports Association (NESA) has urged the Centre to extend support for the successful hosting of the 4th North East Games in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the event’s importance in promoting sports, talent identification and athlete development in the region.
A NESA delegation led by Meghalaya State Olympic Association Working President and NESA Secretary General John F Kharshiing met NITI Aayog Member Dr Smt Joram Aniya in New Delhi and discussed sports and youth development in the North Eastern Region.
The delegation sought support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) for the upcoming Games. It emphasised that the event would provide an important platform for young athletes from the region to compete, identify talent and pursue further development.
During the hour-long interaction, the delegation also shared experiences from various northeastern states on sports hostels, district indoor stadiums, coaching, talent identification, mandatory tournaments, sports leagues, youth affairs programmes and measures to strengthen the regional sports ecosystem.
NESA also appreciated the enhanced national sports budget in the context of the Commonwealth Games 2030 and India’s bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. The delegation and the NITI Aayog Member also discussed the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, including its vision of promoting regional sporting competitions across the country.
Recognising the sporting potential of the Northeast, Joram Aniya said she proposed to visit the northeastern states to understand the challenges on the ground and make suitable recommendations for the development of sports and youth in the region.
The delegation comprised Mizoram Olympic Association Secretary General V Lalzawmliana, Nagaland Olympic Association Joint Secretary N Kathsu, Arunachal Olympic Association Secretary General and NESA Coordinator Bamang Tago, and Arunachal Olympic Association Treasurer Tai Hipik.
