Shillong, May 28: Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse on Wednesday underscored the Centre’s focus on expanding sports infrastructure and athlete development in the North East, while describing the Sports Authority of India’s North Eastern Hill University Centre in Shillong as a potential high-altitude training hub for elite sportspersons preparing for national and international competitions.
During her visit to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) NEHU Centre, Khadse reviewed the existing sports infrastructure, training ecosystem and athlete support systems, besides interacting with athletes, coaches and officials associated with the institution.
The Minister toured various Field of Play facilities and assessed ongoing training activities across disciplines. She also held extensive interactions with young sportspersons and coaching staff, encouraging athletes to pursue sporting excellence with discipline, determination and commitment.
In a symbolic push towards grassroots sports participation and athlete engagement, Khadse actively participated in sporting activities during the visit, including trying Indian round archery and playing football alongside athletes at the centre.
Emphasising the North East’s growing significance in India’s sporting landscape, Khadse said the region possesses immense athletic potential and a deeply rooted culture of sports participation.
“The North East has immense sporting talent and a strong culture of sports participation. It is important that we continue strengthening infrastructure, coaching support and athlete development pathways so that more young athletes from the region can excel at national and international levels,” she said.
Highlighting Shillong’s geographical and climatic advantages, the Minister said the SAI NEHU Centre could evolve into an important destination for high-performance sports training.
“This centre has tremendous potential for training elite athletes because of its natural beauty, peaceful environment and pleasant weather conditions. With continued development and support, SAI NEHU Shillong can become an important high-altitude training centre for athletes preparing for national and international competitions,” she said.
Khadse further noted that sports contribute not only towards physical fitness and competitive success but also towards leadership development, teamwork and constructive social engagement among the youth.
Present during the visit were Rajnish Mishra, Assistant Director, Sports Authority of India, John Kharshing, Working President of the Meghalaya Olympic Association, along with other officials, coaches and support staff.
The visit forms part of the Union Ministry’s broader initiative to strengthen grassroots sports development, athlete support systems and sports infrastructure across the North East region.
