Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said the state government is working towards creating world-class sports infrastructure and training facilities with the long-term goal of producing athletes capable of competing at national and international levels.The Chief Minister made the remarks while virtually inaugurating 16 new sports infrastructure projects across Nagaland. He said the government is committed to building modern sports facilities that match the best available in the country and provide young athletes with better opportunities to develop their talent.Addressing the programme, Rio said sports have evolved beyond being a recreational activity and have become an important sector capable of generating employment and creating new economic opportunities. He said investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development would not only strengthen the state’s sporting culture but also contribute to its overall growth.
According to an official statement, Rio said the government is focusing on improving coaching standards, enhancing the skills of trainers and providing greater exposure to promising athletes. “Strengthening the sporting culture, enhancing the capacity of coaches and trainers, and providing greater exposure to athletes will help nurture talent and build a stronger sporting future for Nagaland,” he said. The Chief Minister noted that the state’s vision is to create an environment where young sportspersons receive quality training and have access to facilities that enable them to compete confidently on larger platforms.
The projects inaugurated include four sports facilities developed under the Centre’s Khelo India initiative and 12 projects funded by the Nagaland government. The facilities are expected to improve access to modern sporting infrastructure in different parts of the state and encourage greater participation in sports among young people. The virtual inauguration programme was attended by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton and other senior government officials.
