Mizoram Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar speaks at a session on the Northeast and Viksit Bharat
New Delhi:
Mizoram Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar has asked the central government to consider giving special status to the Northeast to fund sports infrastructure and find talent. He requested North Eastern Region Development Minister (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M Scindia to explore more ways to develop sports infrastructure and fund talent in the Northeast, besides the flagship Khelo India programme.
“Mr Scindia ji during his recent visit to Mizoram spoke about sports and he mentioned it four times, if I am not mistaken. And Conrad ji again talked about sports. So my humble submission this afternoon is why not ask the DoNER Ministry for special status for the North East when it comes to financing sports infrastructure?” Mr Hmar said this at the three-day Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav event, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi.
“The only program available so far under the Government of India for the development of sports is through Khelo India, whose amount of money being pumped into the Northeast – a sports-loving region – is not sufficient to sustain the sport to keep. lovers of the Northeast,” Mizoram Sports Minister said at a session titled 'Towards Prosperity: Catalyzing Northeast's Progress for a Viksit Bharat'.
Earlier, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had said that the development model will be incomplete if “we fail to connect with sports and music.”
Meghalaya's capital Shillong is a popular destination for international and domestic bands due to the huge, vibrant music scene there.
Mr Hmar said if India wants to host the 2036 Olympics, the country must start focusing on talent with the same priority as developing sports infrastructure.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji's vision is to host the 2036 Olympics and India is committed to that, so my humble opinion is that we should start now. Gujarat will be able to host this. India will be able to produce the best infrastructure But the bigger question is: who will compete in this infrastructure?” the Mizoram minister said.
“It could prove to be a huge shame if India ends up with zero gold medals again. The Northeast is where the talent is. The people of the North East, if given the opportunity and the investment is correct in terms of talent identification, and of course, in terms of sports infrastructure, I am confident that we can contribute to the 2036 Olympic Games,” said the Mr Hmar.
“If we can ask the Government of India to provide special funding in line with the Prime Minister's vision to host the 2036 Olympics in the areas of talent identification program and sports infrastructure, then I think this roundtable this afternoon would be very fruitful” , he said. said.
The event, held from December 6 to 8, celebrated the vibrant culture of the Northeast and showcased the region's textile sector, traditional craftsmanship, tourism potential and unique Geographical Indication (GI) products.
Prime Minister Modi visited various pavilions and interacted with artisans and artisans who showcased their products, highlighting the cultural wealth and economic potential of the region.
