ITANAGAR, 29 Aug: Arunachal Pradesh is poised to emerge as the leading sporting state in the Northeast, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini said on Saturday.
Addressing the National Sports Day celebrations in Itanagar, Jini said Arunachal has made significant progress and ranks second in the Northeast after Manipur in terms of sporting achievements.
He said two athletes from Arunachal are set to participate in the upcoming Asian Games, describing it as a major milestone for the state.
He expressed confidence that the state would soon move to the top position in the region, citing the growing achievements of its sportspersons across national and international competitions.
At the programme, Jini and Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom felicitated more than 102 athletes and coaches for their achievements. A total of Rs 50 lakh was also distributed among the awardees as cash incentives.
Youth Affairs Secretary Abu Tayeng stressed the importance of sportsmanship and said the government would continue to support and recognise athletes and coaches whose performances have brought pride to the state.
Renowned mountaineer from the state, Kabak Yano, called upon more girls and women to take up sports, especially mountaineering.
Addressing concerns over the impact of outdoor activities on the skin, she urged aspiring sportspersons not to let such worries discourage them, saying physical changes can be overcome, while the time invested in sports and the achievements earned through it remain valuable.
National Sports Day is observed every year on 29 August to commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
Meanwhile, the National Sports Day was celebrated in Tawang by the Sports Department with an archery competition and a friendly football match between MLA XI and DC XI at the GTG high altitude sports stadium.
MLA Namgey Tsering, who inaugurated the archery competition, encouraged the participants to continue pursuing sports with dedication and discipline.
In the football match, MLA XI defeated DC XI 5-2.
In Tezu in Lohit district, the NSS unit of Indira Gandhi Government College (IGGC) organised the National Sports Day-Khelo India Samvaad Programme 2026 on the theme 'Khel Ki Baat PM Ke Saath' on Thursday.
An interactive session with boxer Tagio Liyak was one of the major highlights of the programme.
Students interacted with the sportsperson and sought information on career opportunities in sports, healthy living, time management, discipline, punctuality and the importance of regular exercise.
During the Youth Samvaad, students shared their views, ideas and suggestions on sports and youth-related initiatives. Participants were encouraged to share their feedback and experiences through the MY Bharat portal.
In his virtual address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged youths to pursue excellence in sports and embrace fitness, discipline, dedication and hard work as essential components of a successful life.
NSS Programme Officer Dr Salomi Jugli highlighted the potential of the youths in promoting sports and contributing to nation-building. She also encouraged students to register on the MY Bharat portal to access various opportunities and programmes for youth development.
IGGC Principal Dr Kangki Megu administered the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' pledge to the participants. (With PTI input)
