How Do PM Modi’s Policies Transform Indian Sports?

Itanagar, Aug 29 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, expressed on Friday that under the progressive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the sports domain has garnered significant growth through initiatives such as the Fit India Movement and Khelo India Mission, leading to remarkable achievements by Indian athletes on the global stage.

While addressing a gathering commemorating National Sports Day at the state legislative convention hall, Khandu noted that due to the persistent efforts of the state government through the Sports Department, Sports Authority of Arunachal, and the Arunachal Olympic Association, the state’s athletes have excelled in regional, national, and international competitions.

The Chief Minister highlighted that approximately 1,100 medals have been secured by the state’s athletes in various Zonal, National, and International Sporting Events since 2016, and he congratulated the medalists.

He mentioned that the state has set up 58 Khelo India Centers, 19 multipurpose indoor halls, and one synthetic athletic track, along with the 15,000-seater Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium in Yupia. Furthermore, four new national-level stadiums, a modern DK Badminton Academy covering 20,700 square meters at the Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy, 14 two-court badminton halls, and 10 Futsal grounds are currently in various phases of development.

“Additionally, the State Sports Academy at Miao is set to receive a new permanent complex, and to promote sports talent, the state Sports Policy guarantees 5-percent reservation in state government job recruitment and 10-percent reservation in the Police Department,” Khandu stated.

He also emphasized the importance of including para-athletes, suggesting that a State Para Games be organized regularly, similar to the State Games held every two years.

During the event, Khandu presented cash incentives totaling Rs 2.49 crore to 411 sportspersons, including para-athletes who have brought pride to Arunachal Pradesh at various levels. Over the years, the state government has disbursed Rs 7.1 crore to 940 athletes as part of its commitment to advancing sports and empowering youth in the state.

The Chief Minister’s Athlete Coaching and Empowerment Scheme (CMAces), previously known as CM’s Meritorious Sportsperson Scholarship, was inaugurated at the event.

This program has been rebranded to reflect its broader objectives.

“Our goal is not only to acknowledge achievements but also to provide coaching, training, and comprehensive support to cultivate the champions of tomorrow,” Khandu remarked.

Paying homage to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand on whose birth anniversary National Sports Day is recognized, Khandu encouraged athletes to draw inspiration from the iconic player, who led the Indian team to three consecutive Olympic gold medals.

He attributed the recent successes of Indian athletes in international competitions, including the most recent Olympics, to the central government's strategic focus on the sports sector.

Coaches of distinguished athletes were also honored during the occasion.

Attending the event were Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, state assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte, Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor, MP Tapir Gao, Education Minister Pasang D Sona, Sports Minister Kento Jini, and advisor Zingnu Namchoom, among others.