Centre, Arunachal Govt.discuss road map for sports development

Union Minister of Defence, and Sports and Youth Affairs Jitendra Singh met Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki here on Thursday to discuss the road map for the integrated development of sports in the state, particularly in rural areas.

Praising Tuki for declaring ten per cent reservation in jobs for sportspersons in the departments of sports and youth affairs, police and environment and forests of the state government, Singh termed the step as "exemplary" and urged other states to also announce similar quotas to promote sports and sportspersons in the country.

Singh apprised Tuki about his ministry's committment to charting out a comprehensive plan for the development of sports in Arunachal Pradesh during the current fiscal, which would focus on development of sports infrastructure and facilities to promote talented sports people right from the block level.

Tuki asserted that sportspersons perform well not only in the sports arena, but also have the potential to contribute significantly in every sphere of society.

He highlighted the urgent need for creating a long term eco-system for talented youth, trainers and teachers, so as to fully realise the objective of youth development in the state.

He sought the Centre's support towards implementing the Youth and Sports Vision adopted by his government for the benefit of the youth in the state.

Singh said Arunachal Pradesh and the entire north eastern region are a top priority for his ministry, and it is just a matter of time before people notice the sea change in the region's sports landscape.

Jiji Thomson, Director General of Sports Authority of India (SAI), who was also present in the meeting, informed that the upgradation of the SAI SAG Centre in the state to a Centre of Excellence is under review of the ministry and a decision would be taken soon.

Ajith Saran, Secretary Union Ministry of Sports (MoS), G.S G Ayyangar, Joint Secretary MoS, and Vikramjit Singh, OSD MoS, were among others present in the meeting.

Tuki was accompanied by state Food and Civil Supplies Minister Kamlung Mossang.