Guwahati, Oct 15: The North Eastern Region (NER) is poised to become India’s next major sporting hub, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said today.

The minister chaired the Second High-Level Task Force (HLTF) meeting on sports development in the region.

Chaired by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the meeting brought together Union Minister Scindia, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, Mizoram Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar, and senior officials from all eight Northeastern States. The forum reviewed the progress made since the first HLTF meeting held in April 2025 and discussed a detailed roadmap to strengthen sports infrastructure, promote grassroots participation, and nurture athletic talent across the region.

Scindia underscored the “immense natural potential” of the Northeast, citing its cultural diversity, athletic aptitude, and deep passion for sports. “The North Eastern Region has all the elements needed to become the powerhouse of Indian sports,” he said. “With the right mix of modern infrastructure, policy support, and institutional coordination, the region can nurture champions who will bring global recognition to India.”

He called for a strategic shift towards macro-level coaching, long-term engagement of trained coaches, and sport-specific talent scouting systems. A bottom-up approach, Scindia emphasised, would be crucial to build a sustainable and inclusive sporting ecosystem that identifies and nurtures young athletes from rural and remote communities.

The meeting discussed a wide-ranging agenda — from upgrading existing facilities and mapping talent-rich but underserved areas, to attracting investment through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The HLTF also reviewed ways to promote indigenous and traditional sports, integrate them into national frameworks, and boost youth participation through regional sports programs.

Scindia highlighted that sports-led development aligns closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering the Northeast as a driver of national growth. “By blending modern infrastructure with the region’s natural sporting culture and traditional disciplines, we can not only produce world-class athletes but also foster youth engagement, community pride, and economic opportunities,” he said.

Governor Bhalla, who presided over the session, commended the collaborative spirit of the participating states and stressed the need for time-bound action plans and measurable outcomes. The Task Force agreed to finalise a phased implementation strategy with specific milestones to ensure accountability and progress tracking.

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