Shillong, May 28: Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse has highlighted the North East’s growing importance in India’s sporting landscape as she reviewed sports infrastructure and athlete training facilities at Sports Authority of India (SAI) North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Centre in Shillong,
She interacted with athletes, coaches and officials at SAI NEHU centre, and assessed the training ecosystem and ongoing sports development initiatives at the facility.
Khadse toured various Field of Play (FoP) facilities and reviewed training activities across disciplines, while encouraging young athletes to pursue excellence with discipline and commitment.
In a symbolic show of grassroots engagement, Khadse also participated in sporting activities at the centre, trying Indian round archery and playing football with athletes.
“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.
Khadse said the Shillong-based SAI centre has the potential to emerge as a major high-altitude training destination for elite athletes due to its climate and natural surroundings.
“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 added.
The Minister also stressed the broader social role of sports, saying sporting activities help build leadership qualities, teamwork and positive youth engagement besides promoting physical fitness and competitive excellence.
Among those present during the visit were Rajnish Mishra, Assistant Director of the Sports Authority of India, and John Kharshing, Working President of the Meghalaya Olympic Association, along with coaches, officials and support staff.
Officials said the visit forms part of the Centre’s continued push to strengthen sports infrastructure, athlete support systems and grassroots sports development across the Northeast.
