Itanagar; Rugved Milind Thakur, Director at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), on Monday undertook a significant visit to Arunachal Pradesh, specifically to a Khelo India-accredited centre, with the primary objective of evaluating the ground-level implementation of Khelo India schemes and the overall progress of grassroots sports development within the state.
Thakur was accompanied by Ananya Sharma, Assistant Director of Khelo India (SAI) from the Guwahati regional office, and senior state sports officials. Their collective focus during the visit was to thoroughly assess on-ground advancements, pinpoint successful strategies, comprehend existing challenges, and collect vital data to facilitate evidence-based enhancements in the scheme’s execution.
A key highlight of Thakur’s maiden visit to the state in this capacity was an engaging interactive session he conducted with more than 30 aspiring badminton players, seasoned coaches, and prominent members of the Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA). This direct engagement allowed him to gain invaluable firsthand insights into both the triumphs and the shortcomings of the present sports system.
Bamang Tago, the Secretary General of ASBA and an office bearer of the Arunachal Olympic Association, delivered a detailed presentation on the state’s sports ecosystem. He outlined an ambitious five-year strategic roadmap, which placed particular emphasis on strengthening grassroots infrastructure and fostering talent development, especially with an eye on the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) mission.
Nevertheless, Tago also voiced concerns regarding the placement of several Khelo India multipurpose halls in Arunachal. He highlighted that despite being fully funded by the Centre, with each facility costing approximately ₹8 crore, many were constructed at considerable distances from district headquarters, thereby diminishing their accessibility for athletes and other stakeholders.
The visiting delegation meticulously noted these issues and at the same time commended the state’s proactive approach in rolling out Khelo India initiatives. They particularly lauded the collaborative efforts between local authorities and various sports bodies, which have been instrumental in nurturing a robust sports culture across the region.
This comprehensive visit underscores the central government’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive sports development, with a special emphasis on empowering the youth in India’s geographically remote and northeastern states.
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