AALO, 20 Mar: Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini inaugurated the inaugural Arunachal Sports Carnival 2026 here in West Siang district on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, Jini described the sports carnival as a landmark event. He noted that West Siang has produced several distinguished sportspersons who have excelled at state, national, and international competitions. He cited the names of Mugdo Ete, Gumpe Rime, and Ibi Lollen.
He said that games and sports play a vital role in maintaining good health and overall development. Highlighting the district’s potential, he mentioned that West Siang offers vast opportunities for sports tourism and adventure activities, such as white water rafting, trekking, and zip lining. He encouraged the youths of West Siang to actively participate in sports and focus on building careers in this field.
The minister further stated that the state government is providing employment opportunities to those who excel in sports and athletics. He assured that the Aalo stadium would be completed soon, as funds have already been sanctioned.
He also informed that several developmental projects for Aalo township would be undertaken in the near future. Additionally, he urged unemployed youths to become entrepreneurs and job providers rather than job seekers.
Sports Authority of Arunachal (SAA) Chairman John Neelam stated that the long-pending Aalo stadium project would be completed soon. He also suggested organising the Sports Carnival along with Indigenous Games in the future.
SAA Director Gumnya Karbak highlighted that Arunachal has immense potential in the field of games and sports. He urged the state government to include the Arunachal Sports Carnival as a regular calendar event.
The inaugural day featured demonstrations of mixed martial arts, kickboxing, wrestling, cultural performances, exhibition stalls, and food stalls.
The two-day event includes activities like zip lining, trekking, white water rafting, hot air ballooning, and a cultural night.
West Siang DC Mindo Loyi, Sports Director Tadar Appa, SP Kardak Riba, ZPMs, HoDs, public representatives, and students witnessed the inaugural ceremony. (DIPRO)
