Arunachal CM Pema Khandu: Athletes May Train Abroad for Best Facilities

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Support for athletes: The state government is dedicated to providing necessary resources.
- Mission Olympics: A program to enhance training for athletes.
- Infrastructure development: New stadiums are being constructed across various districts.
- Recent successes: 13 medals won at the 38th National Games.
- Future events: Hosting international championships demonstrates growth.
Itanagar, April 18 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, stated on Friday that if deemed necessary, the state government would facilitate sending athletes to foreign nations that provide excellent training facilities.
During the opening ceremony of the 4th Arunachal State Games 2025 held at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, located in Papum Pare district, CM Khandu reaffirmed the state's commitment to ensuring athletes have access to every necessary resource to thrive in their sports at both national and international levels.
He mentioned that as part of the 'Mission Olympics' initiative by the state government, provisions have been made to offer top-tier training to athletes at premier centers across the nation.
Wishing the best of luck to the participants of the 4th Arunachal State Games 2025, CM Khandu praised the athletes' dedication and effort, which has positioned Arunachal Pradesh among the leading sports states in recent years.
“Arunachal Pradesh achieved remarkable success at the recently concluded 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, securing the second position in the northeast region, with our athletes winning 13 medals at this esteemed event. As we aim for excellence, we are dedicated to increasing our efforts to achieve a top 10 rank in the forthcoming 39th National Games set to be held in Meghalaya next year,” he stated.
CM Khandu emphasized the need for robust sports infrastructure for athletes to develop their skills, noting that several high-quality stadiums have been built across the state in recent years, including the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia.
He announced that the government has approved new stadium constructions that will commence soon in the districts of Lower Dibang Valley, Lower Siang, Pakke Kessang, and Longding.
“Hosting the 77th Santosh Trophy finals at this venue marked a pivotal moment in the history of sports in the state. We are also set to host the South Asian Football Federation U-19 Championship 2025 next month. A few years ago, such events seemed unattainable,” he remarked.
Further enhancing the state's sports infrastructure, Khandu revealed plans for a new world-class stadium with a capacity of 25,000 to be constructed soon in the state capital.
“The site has already been identified, and construction will begin shortly,” he added.
The opening ceremony was graced by Olympic Bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain from Assam, Sports Minister Kento Jini, Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) President Taba Tedir, Secretary General Bamang Tago, among others.