Aizawl, July 9: Mizoram has taken a significant step towards strengthening grassroots sports with the release of the first Grassroots Sports Development Programme (GSDP) report, highlighting the progress of the state's flagship initiative to identify and nurture young sporting talent.
 |
| Mizoram Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar unveils the first Grassroots Sports Development Programme (GSDP) report in Aizawl. (Image: DIPR Mizoram) |
The report was released on Thursday by Minister of State for Sports & Youth Services Lalnghinglova Hmar at his office in MINECO, Aizawl. The programme is a joint initiative of the Mizoram State Sports Council (MSSC) and Samagra Shiksha Mizoram (SSM).
Speaking on the occasion, Lalnghinglova Hmar described the GSDP as one of the government's most promising initiatives for the future of sports in Mizoram.
"Grassroots Sports Development Programme is among our most encouraging initiatives. The excellent collaboration between the Mizoram State Sports Council and Samagra Shiksha Mizoram has yielded remarkable progress," he said.
The minister noted that introducing structured sports training at the school level would help develop young athletes from an early age, adding that the programme's long-term benefits are expected to become evident within the next five years.
He said the programme has been carefully designed to meet the needs of both the state and its young athletes without affecting their academic studies. Besides identifying sporting talent, the initiative also focuses on providing systematic coaching and creating a pathway for future excellence in competitive sports.
Lalnghinglova Hmar also praised the newly released report, saying its comprehensive data and detailed analysis would serve as a valuable guide for shaping future sports policies and development programmes.
According to the report, the Grassroots Sports Development Programme is currently being implemented across 46 training centres in all 11 districts of Mizoram. A total of 1,380 children have enrolled in the programme across nine different sports disciplines, with 34 percent of the participants being girls.
Apart from documenting the implementation of the programme, the report also includes a Comprehensive Sports Analytics and Talent Assessment Report, which evaluates the performance of athletes, training centres and various sports disciplines using structured metrics and scoring systems.
The GSDP was launched following a Memorandum of Understanding signed between MSSC and Samagra Shiksha Mizoram on January 13, 2025. During the 2025–26 academic year, the programme targeted school children aged 6 to 14 years, providing them with fundamental sports education and skill development.
Under the programme, participants receive training at least three days a week, with additional coaching during school vacations. Officials estimate that each child undergoes nearly 9,000 minutes of training over six months, ensuring consistent exposure to sports and physical development.
ALSO READ: Learn Hindi, Master IT, Uphold Integrity: Mizoram CM's Advice to Mizoram Police Service Trainees
Addressing the gathering, Samagra Shiksha Mizoram State Project Director C. Lalthanzira described the successful completion of the programme's first year as a major achievement. He said the strong partnership between the two government agencies has laid a solid foundation for improving sports development in the state.
GSDP Programme Coordinator Hmingthansanga said the findings clearly identify children's sporting potential while also highlighting areas that require further support. He noted that coaches not only provide sports training but also visit the children's homes, interact with parents, and conduct awareness programmes on character-building and healthy living.
The report launch was chaired by Henry C. Lalrawnkima, Secretary of the Mizoram State Sports Council, and attended by officials from the GSDP Cell and Samagra Shiksha Mizoram.
Officials believe the programme will play a key role in producing the next generation of athletes and strengthening Mizoram's reputation as one of India's leading sporting states.
