To nurture local talent and provide a continuous supply of athletes to national sports bodies, a significant Memorandum of Understanding was recently inked between the Nagaland government and the Sports Authority of India. The agreement aims to enhance the infrastructure for 62 athletes in boxing, football, and sepaktakraw at the SAI Training Centre and establish a National Centre of Excellence in the region.
Under this partnership, the athletes currently based in Half Nagarjan, Dimapur, will be relocated to the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex with improved facilities. Plans include transforming the 64-acre complex into a high-performance center, featuring a hostel, a multipurpose hall, and a football ground, among other amenities. Future expansions may encompass disciplines like athletics, wrestling, shooting, archery, hockey, wushu, judo, and pencak silat.
The signing ceremony, attended by Chief Minister Rio, ministers, and officials from various sports bodies, marked a significant milestone for Nagaland’s sporting landscape. Chief Minister Rio expressed gratitude towards the Sports Authority of India for their collaboration and emphasized the state’s commitment to fostering sporting excellence and opportunities for the youth. The government is actively working to ensure that the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex is fully operational, with directives issued for the timely completion of pending works and necessary arrangements.
In alignment with the national sports policy, the partnership between SAI and the Nagaland government is geared towards promoting sports at the grassroots level and engaging states in India’s sporting development. The initiative underscores the collective effort to identify talent, promote excellence, and encourage youth participation in sports.
