New Delhi, Sept 7: The North East Sports Association (NESA) has sought central government’s support for the successful hosting of the 4th North East Games in Arunachal Pradesh, pitching the regional multi-sport event as an important platform for identifying and developing sporting talent in the Northeast.
The issue was raised during a meeting between a NESA delegation and NITI Aayog Member Dr. Joram Aniya in New Delhi on Monday. The delegation urged the NITI Aayog to facilitate support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) for the Games.
NESA said the North East Games could provide athletes from the region with greater opportunities for competition while helping identify emerging talent and create a pathway for their long-term development.
The meeting also resulted in a proposed visit by Dr. Aniya to the North Eastern states.
According to a press statement by NESA, she expressed her intention to visit the region to understand the challenges faced by athletes and sporting organisations on the ground and make suitable recommendations for the development of sports and youth affairs.
NESA’s delegation, led by its Secretary General and Meghalaya State Olympic Association’s Working President John F. Kharshiing, also used the meeting to highlight several gaps in the region’s sporting ecosystem.
Representatives shared experiences from their respective states on sports hostels, district indoor stadiums, coaching facilities, talent identification and the need for regular and mandatory competitions. The promotion of sports leagues and stronger youth programmes were also discussed.
The association’s push comes as India prepares for major international sporting events, with NESA welcoming the enhanced national sports budget in the context of the Commonwealth Games 2030 and India’s bid to host the Olympic Games in 2036.
The delegation also discussed the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, including its stated emphasis on promoting regional sporting competitions across the country.
NESA was represented by V. Lalzawmliana, Secretary General of the Mizoram Olympic Association; N. Khatsu, Joint Secretary of the Nagaland Olympic Association; Bamang Tago, Secretary General of the Arunachal Olympic Association and NESA coordinator; and Tai Hipik, Treasurer of the Arunachal Olympic Association.
