Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse reviewed the sports ecosystem in Mizoram during her visit to Aizawl, with a focus on strengthening sports infrastructure and creating greater opportunities for young athletes from the Northeast.
The Minister was welcomed by Mizoram Minister of State for Sports and Youth Services Lalnghinglova Hmar. The two held discussions on strengthening the state’s sporting ecosystem, including Centre-State coordination, development of sports infrastructure and nurturing sporting talent.
During her visit, Khadse also visited the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Aizawl, where she reviewed the available facilities and interacted with athletes, coaches and support staff. SAI Assistant Director Shivam Yadav was also present.
The Minister heard about the athletes’ training, competitive experiences and aspirations and appreciated their efforts towards sporting excellence.
She stressed the need to provide young sportspersons from the Northeast with quality coaching, scientific support, rehabilitation, nutrition, competition exposure and structured opportunities to progress to the national and international level.
Focus on Khelo India and sports infrastructure
Khadse highlighted the role of SAI and the Khelo India Scheme in creating pathways for young athletes to move from grassroots participation to competitive sport.
She said institutional support, combined with quality infrastructure and training, is helping expand sporting opportunities for youth in the Northeast.
The government is also strengthening sports infrastructure in Mizoram. A Khelo India infrastructure project for laying a synthetic hockey turf and providing lighting at the SAI Training Centre in Aizawl is aimed at improving hockey facilities in the state.
The Minister noted that Mizoram has demonstrated significant sporting potential, particularly in football and hockey, and stressed the importance of sustained institutional support to nurture athletes closer to their homes and training centres.
Mizoram athletes showcase sporting potential
Mizoram’s sporting talent was highlighted through the achievements of athletes from the state.
Lalremsiami Hmarzote, who trained at the SAI Academy in Thenzawl before progressing to the national level, became Mizoram’s first female Olympian and first Asian Games medallist. She has also been selected for the Arjuna Award 2025, becoming the first sportsperson from Mizoram to receive the honour.
Khadse said the government’s approach is aimed at building a complete athlete development ecosystem in which infrastructure is supported by quality coaching, sports science, rehabilitation, nutrition and regular competition exposure.
She emphasised that the Northeast, with its strong sporting culture and abundant talent, has an important role to play in India’s sporting journey.
The Minister said strengthening facilities closer to athletes, expanding opportunities for young talent and ensuring effective coordination between the Union and State Governments will be crucial in enabling more sportspersons from Mizoram and the wider Northeast to reach the national and international stage.
