ITANAGAR, Nov 24: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday informed that the state government is constructing 15 big sports infrastructure worth Rs 23 crore across the state with support from the National Sports Development Fund.
He further said that of the seven national-level outdoor stadiums, four – one each at Yupia, Ziro, Daporijo and Pasighat – are complete and functional, while work is in progress on the other three at Aalo, Chimpu and Tezu.
Under the Centre’s Khelo India program, Khandu informed, 20 multi-purpose indoor sports halls are under construction in various parts of the state, of which three – Tirbin, Basar and Dirang – are complete. He further revealed that three more sports infrastructure have been sanctioned by the DoNER ministry and will be executed soon.
The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering after declaring open the 5th edition of the Sports Carnival of Liromoba Assembly Constituency at Darak village in West Siang district today.
While expressing concern on delay in completion of the Aalo outdoor stadium, which was sanctioned about five years ago, Khandu mentioned, “When an airport can be completed in just three years (Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar), why can’t a stadium be?” He urged the concerned executing agency, contractor and the district administration to complete its construction at the earliest, assuring all out support from the state government.
Talking about the state's sporting talents, Khandu said, “We are giving top priority to games and sports and results are showing. Today, Arunachal Pradesh is considered a sporting powerhouse, especially in individual events,” he said.
While stating that the state’s players are excelling in individual events like karate, wushu, taekwondo, weightlifting, etc in both national and international arena, Khandu asked the Sports Department to identify at least five such disciplines and groom the players for it.
“I have already suggested our Sports Department and the Arunachal Olympic Association to plan and roll out a ‘Mission Olympics’ targeting the 2028 Olympics Games,” the CM said.
“We have no dearth of funds. Let us nurture, groom, and produce world-class sportspersons, who can compete in events like the Olympics,” he said.
Heaping praise on Liromoba MLA Nyamar Karbak for organizing the unique sports carnival in his constituency since 2016, Khandu said, this must be the only sports event organized annually in an Assembly segment, participated by teams from all Gram Panchayat levels, and urged other legislators to take a cue.
He said that such events will bring people from different Panchayats and villages together and create a positive ambience, which in turn will help accelerate development from the grassroot level.
The week-long sports carnival is being organized by Lodu Banggo Sports Association and teams from all 31 Gram Panchayats of the constituency will be competing in various events including football.
The Chief Minister on the day inaugurated atleast 29 projects in Liromoba constituency completed in recent times by PWD, RWD, PHED, Arunachal Pradesh Police Housing & Welfare Corporation Ltd and Sports department.
Later, on his way to Kamba, Khandu visited Nomuk village and appreciated the decision taken by villagers to convert the defunct village school to a Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya. He assured to take up the matter with the Vivekananda Kendra so that the proposal materializes. He also assured to place funds for maintenance of roads to Nomuk, Yomcha and Liromoba.
Incidentally, Khandu became the first chief minister to visit Nomuk village ever.