By: Sapna Tayem, Bureau Chief, ICN Arunachal Pradesh
NEW DELHI: Minister for WRD, Sports & Youth Affairs, Mama Natung on Tuesday called on the Union Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs (Ind), Kiren Rijiju, here at latter’s official residence along with a delegation comprising of MLA 9-Chayang Tajo,Hayang Mangfi, Chairperson EKSWCO, Dahey Sangno and host of other public leaders from East Kameng District.
The leaders discussed about wide range of issues pertaining to the state of Arunachal Pradesh, in particular, development of games and sports by focusing on providing the state-of-the-art infrastructure and training facilities.“My dream is to see at least 4 to 5 youths from our state representing the country in the next Olympic games,”said Rijiju while lamenting how shameful it is for the state as none of its sportspersons had ever represented the nation in the Asian Games, not to mention about winning medals due to apathy of the governments of the past.
He shared about his Ministry’s plan to sponsor international quality soccer coaches for the budding footballers of Arunachal Pradesh.Responding to the proposals of Natung and the delegation,Rijiju assured to fund an astro-turfed soccer ground and stadia for East Kameng on priority, and for rest of Arunachal Pradesh on ‘“phased manner”.
Citing that East Kameng had “a huge potential for sports”,Rijiju assured Natung to establish an sports academy at Bana in East Kameng under the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Rijiju also informed the delegation about the proposal mooted by him for development of a large-scale Mithun Breeding farm in East Kameng district.Meanwhile, Mama Natung apprised the Union Minister about good initiatives of Pema Khandu Government in the state and the constructive efforts of the Nyishi leaders and CBOs to make Itanagar capital city a good and safe living space for all communities.
Lauding the initiatives of EKSWCO, Rijiju suggested Sangno to start mass outreach programmes for spreading awareness to create a positive atmosphere for development of tourism in the district, according to an EKSWCO release.
