CHOWKHAM, 29 Jul: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed mini football stadium here in Namsai district, marking a significant milestone in the state government’s efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and promote grassroots football.
The project was funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC) and executed by the Rural Works Department (RWD), Namsai.
Addressing the gathering, Mein described Chowkham as a land with a rich footballing heritage that has produced several distinguished footballers who have brought pride to the region. He paid tribute to renowned football personalities, including late Chowjit Gohain Mein, who captained both the Town Club and the Assam Football Team and represented Assam in the All India football trials. He also recalled the contributions of late Indrajit Namchoom, the first international football player from the state,and several other footballers from the region who played in Assam clubs in those days, inspiring generations of aspiring players.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to restoring the sporting legacy of Chowkham, the DCM outlined a vision to establish a football training centre to nurture talented young footballers from across the districts. He informed that the proposal has already been shared with the district sports authorities and the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs.
The proposed facility would provide professional coaching, accommodation and other essential support, with active participation from NGOs and other stakeholders.
He said that, with more football stadiums coming up in Namsai, Wakro and Tezu, the region would be able to host state and national level football tournaments. To the proposal of the sports secretary, he gave the nod for the construction of a hybrid turf football stadium in Wakro, as per the latest specifications by the FIFA.
Mein said that the newly inaugurated stadium, equipped with a modern artificial turf football field and quality spectator facilities, would provide young sportspersons with a dedicated platform to train, compete and excel. He reiterated that investment in quality sports infrastructure is an investment in the aspirations of the youth and in the future of Arunachal Pradesh.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive development, the DCM stated that sustained investments in sports, tourism and youth empowerment would continue to play a pivotal role in building a stronger, healthier and more prosperous Arunachal.
The inauguration ceremony was attended also by Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Namsai Zilla Parishad Chairperson Sujana Namchoom, Lohit Zilla Parishad Chairperson Basanlu Dellang, Sports & Youth Affairs Secretary Abu Tayeng, Namsai DC CR Khampa, Sports Director Tadar Apa, government officials, public representatives, sportspersons, and members of the local community. (DCM’s PR Cell)
