Advisor flags no response since 2023; issue raised again at national meet
Nagaland has once again pushed for the establishment of a Sports Authority of India (SAI) regional office in the state and the takeover of the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex (MDSC) in Dimapur, stating that the proposal has remained pending without response since 2023.
State Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, S Keoshu Yimkhiung, raised the issue during the “Chintan Shivir” of Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of States and Union Territories held in Srinagar from April 24 to 26.
According to an official statement, Yimkhiung said the absence of a dedicated SAI Regional Office in Nagaland has posed challenges for the development of sports in the state, with the state currently being overseen by the SAI Regional Office in Manipur.
He noted that the matter had been taken up earlier during the 2023 Chintan Shivir held in Manipur in the presence of the then Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur, following which a team from the Ministry and SAI visited the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex in Dimapur for a possible handover.
“All necessary formalities, including the MoU, have been completed,” the statement said, adding that a reminder was also submitted to the Secretary, SAI, during another Chintan Shivir held in Hyderabad.
However, no response has been received so far, it stated.
Highlighting the significance of the facility, Yimkhiung said the 64-acre complex, located in Dimapur, already has substantial infrastructure, including a 50,000-capacity gallery, futsal court, multipurpose hall, wrestling academy with hostel facilities, and a football academy hostel.
He said that handing over the complex to SAI would strengthen the sports ecosystem in the state and help nurture young talent.
The state has urged the authorities concerned to expedite the establishment of a separate SAI regional office in Nagaland and the takeover of the Dimapur sports complex.
‘Srinagar Khel Sankalp’ adopted to drive athlete-centric future for Indian sports
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday launched the ‘Srinagar Khel Sankalp’, a roadmap aimed at creating a unified and athlete-centric vision for the future of sports in India.
The document was unveiled on the concluding day of the three-day Chintan Shivir of Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports from States and Union Territories, held in Srinagar from 24–26 April 2026. State Sports Ministers and prominent figures from the sporting community were also present during the launch.
The Srinagar Khel Sankalp lays out a collective national strategy to strengthen India’s sporting culture through cooperative federalism. It focuses on athlete-centric development, expansion of sports infrastructure, talent identification, creation of regional sports clusters, and using sports as a tool for youth empowerment, health, tourism, and economic growth.
According to the statement, the initiative reflects a “unified resolve of the Centre, States, and Union Territories to place sports at the heart of nation-building,” recognizing its role in promoting social cohesion, stronger communities, and a healthier generation.
The document also stresses the need for closer collaboration between governments and sporting bodies to ensure a seamless support system for athletes across the country. It calls for better alignment of resources and policy efforts to create a more effective sports ecosystem.
Highlighting India’s diversity as an advantage, the Sankalp encourages States to develop sports infrastructure and identify talent based on their unique geographical, cultural, and regional strengths. It also positions sports as an engine of socio-economic growth by boosting tourism, generating employment, and promoting local industries.
The roadmap further reiterates India’s ambition to host major international sporting events, including the Olympics and World Cups.
The final day of the Chintan Shivir began with the Fit India “Sundays on Cycle” cyclothon, led by Dr. Mandaviya and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Khadse. The event aimed to promote fitness, discipline, and public participation.
Subsequent sessions focused on sports governance reforms, sports goods manufacturing, and youth engagement through MY Bharat. Discussions centred on improving institutional frameworks, increasing transparency, strengthening coordination among stakeholders, and professionalising sports administration.
Participants also underlined the need to establish India as a global hub for sports goods manufacturing through cluster-based development, innovation, and support for domestic industry. Deliberations additionally emphasized the creation of structured platforms for youth participation and leadership.
The concluding discussions reaffirmed the importance of a coordinated approach involving the Centre, States, and all stakeholders, with the Chintan Shivir described as a key forum for dialogue, policy alignment, and collective action to build a robust, inclusive, and future-ready youth and sports ecosystem in the country.
