NEW DELHI, 7 Sep: A delegation of the North East Sports Association (NESA), led by its secretary-general John F Kharshiing, met NITI Aayog member Dr Joram Aniya here on Monday to discuss the development of sports and youth affairs in the Northeastern region.
During the interaction, the delegation shared experiences from their respective states on sports hostels, district indoor stadiums, coaching, talent identification, mandatory tournaments, promotion of sports leagues, strengthening the sports ecosystem, and youth affairs programmes.
The delegation urged Dr Aniya to facilitate support from the Youth Affairs & Sports and the DoNER Ministries for the hosting of the 4th North East Games in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the Games as an important platform for talent identification, competition and athlete development in the region.
The NESA appreciated the enhanced national sports budget in the context of the Commonwealth Games 2030, and India's bid for the Olympic Games 2036. The meeting also discussed the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, including its vision of promoting regional sporting competitions across the country.
Recognising the immense sporting potential of the Northeast, the NITI Aayog member informed the delegation that she proposes to visit the Northeastern states to understand the challenges on the ground and make suitable recommendations for the upliftment of youth and sports in the region.
The delegation included Mizoram Olympic Association secretary-general V Lalzawmliana, Nagaland Olympic Association joint secretary N Kathsu, and Arunachal Olympic Association secretary-general Bamang Tago, among others.
