Nagaland’s sports infrastructure received a major boost on Friday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to shift the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre to the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex (MDSC), Dimapur.
The MoU was signed during a program held at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex in Kohima.
Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio said the relocation marks an important step in the state’s efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and create better opportunities for young athletes. He said the training centre at MDSC would provide quality coaching, residential facilities and scientific support systems, helping athletes prepare for higher levels of competition.
Rio said the operationalisation of the centre would not only strengthen sports development in Nagaland but also benefit athletes from across the Northeast. He also noted that several Sports Authority of India infrastructure projects are already underway at the MDSC and are expected to further improve training facilities.
The Chief Minister said the state has been investing in sports infrastructure, sports science, grassroots competitions, athlete welfare and capacity building to tap the sporting potential of Naga youth. He recalled that the government inaugurated 16 sports infrastructure projects earlier this month, with more projects in the pipeline.
Deputy Director General of the Sports Authority of India, Majushree Dayanand, described the MoU as a milestone in the partnership between the Government of Nagaland and SAI. She thanked the state government for providing a new venue for the training centre and supporting the establishment of a Centre of Excellence. She said Nagaland has immense sporting talent that needs proper training, motivation and encouragement, and encouraged young people to consider sports as a career.
Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports S Keoshu Yimkhiung said the relocation reflects the government’s commitment to developing sporting talent and strengthening sports culture in the state. He said the new training centre would offer athletes better facilities to train and compete.
Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India and Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association, Abu Metha, said the relocation was the result of sustained efforts to promote sports in the state. He also urged the Sports Authority of India to consider customised sports programs for the Northeast to strengthen grassroots sports development.
