ITANAGAR, Apr 27: Governor BD Mishra underscored the responsibility of the governments of the Northeastern states to provide infrastructure and exposure opportunities to the youths interested in sports.
Mishra said that the central government’s focus on the development of the region would assist the states in harnessing the potential of the youths of the region in the field of sports.
The governor was addressing the inauguration function of the Victor-2nd North East Junior Prize Money Badminton Tournament at the Raj Bhavan badminton stadium here on Friday.
Motivating the young badminton players from the eight NE states, Mishra exhorted them to practice hard and regularly to perfect their techniques and maintain good physique and stamina. He asked the coaches and mentors to properly guide the budding players, and urged parents, guardians and sports organizers to encourage the budding players, appreciate their potential, and motivate them.
Reposing his faith in Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who is keen on promoting sports activitie, he called upon every member of the society to promote sports in their own way.
Around 340 shuttlers from the eight Northeast states, including host Arunachal Pradesh, are participating in boys’ and girls’ (U-9) singles, and boys’ and girls’ (U-11, U-13, U-15 and U-17) singles and doubles, informed organizing chairman Bamang Tago.
Arunachal has highest number of 157 participants, followed by Assam (142).
The matches are being played at the Raj Bhawan and MLA Cottage badminton stadiums.
Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Minister Dr Mohesh Chai advised the players to play up to their potential without thinking about losing and winning.
The governor’s wife Neelam Misra, Sports & Youth Affairs Parliamentary Secretary Nyamar Karbak and officials of the sports department, Sports Authority of Arunachal and the Arunachal Olympic Association attended the function.
The ASBA is organizing the tournament on self-help basis without any assistance from any quarter. (With inputs from Raj Bhavan)
