Kohima, July 24: The Government of Nagaland and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a State Training Centre at the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex (MDSC), Dimapur, in a move aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure and nurturing young sporting talent in the state.
 |
| Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, along with senior officials of the Government of Nagaland and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), poses after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding to establish a State Training Centre at the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex (MDSC) in Dimapur. (Image: X/abumetha) |
The agreement was signed in the presence of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports Keoshu Yimkhiung, SAI Deputy Director General Manjushree Dayanand, and other dignitaries.
Describing the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter for sports in Nagaland, Chief Minister Rio said the partnership with SAI marks a significant milestone in strengthening the state's sports ecosystem and creating greater opportunities for aspiring athletes.
Under the agreement, the existing SAI Training Centre will be shifted to the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex in Dimapur. SAI will operationalise the facility with the long-term vision of developing it into a National Centre of Excellence for Sports.
The project includes the upgradation of sports infrastructure, establishment of a modern Sports Science Centre, residential facilities for both male and female athletes, completion of existing infrastructure, and world-class high-performance training in disciplines such as football, boxing, athletics, sepak takraw, and several other sports.
Rio said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to building a vibrant sports ecosystem that reaches every district while providing talented athletes with access to quality coaching, scientific training and modern facilities.
He noted that Nagaland and the Northeast possess immense sporting talent and expressed confidence that improved infrastructure and professional coaching would enable young athletes to compete successfully at national and international levels, including the Olympics and World Championships.
The Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising sports as a tool for youth empowerment. He also acknowledged the support of Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State Raksha Khadse, and former Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, under whose leadership the initiative gained momentum.
Also speaking on the occasion, Abu Metha, Adviser to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland, described the MoU as a defining step towards building a stronger sporting future for Nagaland's youth. He thanked the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, SAI and the state government for their collective efforts in making the project a reality.
Officials said the State Training Centre is expected to significantly strengthen the sporting ecosystem in Nagaland while providing athletes with better opportunities for professional training, scientific support and high-performance development. The initiative is also expected to further enhance the Northeast's growing reputation as one of India's leading regions for sporting talent.
