TEZU, Jan 3: Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Dr Mohesh Chai disclosed that more than 18 multipurpose halls, at a total cost of Rs 144 crore, are in various stages of construction across the state.
“When completed, the multipurpose halls will cater to the infrastructural needs of the sportsperson of the state,” Dr Chai said at the closing function of a month-long intensive winter badminton coaching camp at the Late Kalikho Pul memorial indoor badminton hall here in Lohit district on Sunday.
Dr Chai, who also is the local MLA, said the ruling state government is committed to promote the sports culture in the state.
Commending the Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA) for conducting the coaching camp, themed ‘Catch them young’, Dr Chai said the mission launched by the ASBA would have a big impact on young badminton players across the state.
“Tezu has become an emerging sports hub in the state due to the sincerity and commitment of the local MLA and collective efforts by all the heads of departments, parents and other stakeholders,” said Sports Authority of Arunachal Chairman Bamang Tago.
He called upon the leaders, parents and community-based organizations of the state to encourage youngsters to opt for sports as professions.
Tago, who also is the secretary of the ASBA and executive member of the Badminton Association of India (BAI), informed that the ASBA started the mission ‘Catch them young’ in 2016, and is targeting to cover all the districts in a phase-wise manner.
“More than 500 young badminton players have benefitted so far, out of which three boys and two girls have been nominated and sponsored fully by the BAI to undergo coaching at the Prakash Padukone badminton academy in Bangalore,” he said.
The coaching camp was hosted by the Lohit District Badminton Association under the aegis of the ASBA, and sponsored by Dr Chai.
Over 60 U-15 students of both sexes attended the camp, which was conducted by ASBA coach Gita Karki.
