Aizawl, Sep 15 (PTI) Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, on Tuesday reviewed Mizoram’s sports ecosystem and stressed the need to strengthen infrastructure and coaching and support systems to help young athletes from the Northeast compete in national and international events, official sources said.
Khadse, who arrived here on Tuesday on a two-day visit to Mizoram, interacted with state Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar, during which the two discussed Centre-state coordination, sports infrastructure and measures to nurture sporting talent in the state.
The Union minister also visited the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Aizawl, where she inspected the facilities and interacted with athletes, coaches and support staffers, the sources said.
During her interaction with sportspersons, Khadse heard about their training, competition experience and aspirations, and emphasised the need for quality coaching, sports science, rehabilitation, nutrition and greater exposure to competitions.
She said the ‘Khelo India’ programme was helping create pathways for young athletes and stressed the importance of making quality facilities and training opportunities available closer to where athletes live and train.
The Centre is also strengthening sports infrastructure in Mizoram, including a ‘Khelo India’ project for laying a synthetic hockey turf and installing lighting at the SAI Training Centre in Aizawl, she said.
Khadse noted Mizoram’s strong sporting potential, particularly in football and hockey, saying the achievements of its athletes demonstrated the need for sustained institutional support.
She said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a stronger sporting culture involved identifying talent at the grassroots and providing athletes with structured pathways to excellence.
The visit comes amid efforts by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and SAI to expand sporting opportunities in the Northeast and build a more athlete-centric sports ecosystem in the region, according to officials.
Later in the day, the Union Minister visited Saitual. She will also visit Kolasib on Wednesday, they added. PTI CORR ACD
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