Kiren Rijiju inaugurates 8 Khelo India State Centre of Excellence
including one in Arunachal Pradesh
ITANAGAR: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday virtually inaugurated eight Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE), including one in Arunachal Pradesh. The KISCE inaugurated in other states are Karnataka, , Kerala, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagalang, Odisha and Telangana.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge) said the central government wants to develop the sports culture in India. Khelo India has become a brand, he said, adding that everybody, including boys and girls want to be part of the Khelo India programme. Khelo India games is becoming the most popular sporting event in the country, he said.
Rijiju said sports must become a way of life and culture in India. The Government of India has collaborated with the state governments to create basic facilities for the young boys and girls, he said, adding that India has huge talent in sports but many of them cannot rise because of the lack of facilities.
Rijiju said the government is starting the KISCE on top of the existing National Centre of Excellence in partnership with state governments. ”The ministry is ready to provide necessary financial assistance to ensure that the KISCE develops with proper infrastructure and manpower. Emphasis on making India a global super power with high quality coaching and training,” he said.
India is a large country and the target is to move to top 10 in the next Olympic Games, he said, adding that the sports centres will be developed up to the required standards. ”We will work hand in hand with the state governments to ensure proper development of the sportsperson in the states,” he said. ( source- PTI )
Speaking on the occasion, Advisor for Youth Affairs and Sports of Arunachal Pradesh , Mama Natung in his speech conveyed gratitude to the Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for setting up the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence and giving the opportunity to Arunachal Pradesh.
The Khelo India State Centre of excellence (KISCE) is being set up in Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy which was established in the year 1994 and has a total area of 40 acres. The hostel has a capacity of more than 300 athletes and the KISCE will focus on three disciplines: Weightlifting, Archery and Judo.
Yumi Sorang, Archer (Bronze medal in Asia Cup in 2016) and Balo Yalam, Weightlifter, were also present from Arunachal. The secretary sports and youth affairs Anirudh Singh, director sports Tadar Appa and deputy Mala Linggi were also present during the event.
