Government to Stage Khelo India to Harness Sports Potential of Northeast Region
Identifying the Northeast as a burgeoning hub of sports talent, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, announced the Indian government’s commitment to enhancing the sports ecosystem in the region. During the Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 in New Delhi, he revealed plans to host the Khelo India Northeast Games annually in one of the eight states of the Northeast. This initiative aims to scout talent and promote traditional games while contributing to the overall development of the region.
Commitment to Sports Development
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the government’s dedication to fostering sports in the Northeast, a region often recognized for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. He noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s leadership, the Northeast has made significant strides in development over the past decade. The minister highlighted the importance of the Khelo India initiative, which aims to create a robust sports culture by providing platforms for young athletes to showcase their skills. By hosting the Khelo India Northeast Games, the government seeks to not only identify emerging talent but also to celebrate and preserve traditional sports that are integral to the region’s identity.
Infrastructure and Training Facilities
The sports infrastructure in the Northeast has seen remarkable growth, with 86 projects currently operational. In 2021, the government allocated ₹439 crore for 64 sports infrastructure projects across the region, which include the construction of synthetic turfs, multipurpose halls, swimming pools, and hostels. Dr. Mandaviya pointed out that the region is home to 250 Khelo India Centres (KICs), training over 8,000 athletes, and eight Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) that are vital for nurturing grassroots talent. Additionally, three National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) in Guwahati, Itanagar, and Imphal are providing world-class training to 600 athletes, further enhancing the region’s sports capabilities.
Empowering Women in Sports
Highlighting the government’s focus on women’s sports, Dr. Mandaviya shared that around 13,000 girls from the Northeast participated in the ASMITA League last year, showcasing the region’s potential as a breeding ground for female athletes. This initiative is part of Khelo India’s flagship scheme aimed at empowering women in sports and ensuring a strong representation in national teams. The minister’s remarks underscore the importance of inclusivity in sports and the government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for female athletes.
Future Talent Identification Initiatives
In a bid to further enhance talent identification, the government plans to launch a comprehensive drive across the subcontinent. Athletes will have the opportunity to upload videos of their performances to the National Sports Repository System (NSRS) portal. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) will then dispatch talent scouts to assess these performances, potentially inducting promising athletes into Khelo India Centres or NCOEs based on their capabilities. This initiative aims to streamline the process of discovering and nurturing talent, ensuring that the best athletes receive the training and support they need to excel on national and international stages. The Northeast’s successful hosting of the Khelo India University Games Ashtalakshmi in 2023 further demonstrates its capability to organize significant sporting events, paving the way for future opportunities in the region.
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