Chief Minister Pema Khandu, while highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’ strides in the sports sector, credited reforms and targeted initiatives, reaffirming the government’s commitment to building an inclusive and strengthened sporting ecosystem across the state under the ‘PEMA 3.0 – Year of Reforms & Growth’ theme, which focuses on governance, growth, and sports reforms.
Khandu, while lauding the achievements of Arunachal’s athletes at both national and international levels and calling them a source of pride for the state, said that the government continues to invest in modern sports infrastructure, athlete welfare, and capacity-building programmes to sustain progress.
Since 2016, Arunachal Pradesh has secured over 1,200 medals in recognised international, national, and zonal competitions. The state has also hosted the 6th U-19 SAFF Championship 2025 and finished second among Northeastern states at the 38th National Games 2025.
To encourage sportspersons, over Rs 5 crore has been disbursed as cash incentives to reward excellence and performance. The state has also set up the Arunachal Olympics Mission to groom young athletes and strengthen the state’s sporting culture.
The government is prioritizing sports infrastructure and human resource development in rural areas to provide equal access to quality training and exposure. The state should also focus on individual sports, as athletes have consistently performed well in these categories. From combat sports to badminton, Arunachal has shown strong results, and these disciplines should be prioritised.
Sportspersons will perform even better with assured incentives. Additionally, facilities must be established across the state using a cluster approach, starting at the circle level, if the government is truly serious about achieving its vision of excelling in sports.