Last Monday’s consultative meeting involving Sports Authority of Arunachal Pradesh, Arunachal Olympic Association and all registered state level sports associations was vital in the sense it paved the way for free exchange of information from the grassroots levels to the top hierarchies. The report cards presented by affiliated units and their suggestions and feedbacks will help in understanding the ground realities better. And the point that had been arrived and agreed unanimously is this- Arunachal has got lots of genuine tribal talents and they need to be nurtured properly on a long term basis.

It can be recalled that sports activities in the state in the early eighties was initially looked after by the then State Sports Council. In 1996 the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs came into existence after bifurcation from Education department and in 2005 there was creation of Sports & Youth Development Board, later renamed as Sports Authority of Arunachal to meet the administrative challenges of controlling the growing number of registered state sports associations. And now the current sports policy of the state envisions to make Arunachal Pradesh a vibrant and leading state in the sports arena, and complete the basic infrastructural needs by 2030.

Speaking about the history of sports, we know that it has been a meaningful part of human society dating back as far as written history and may be further. By performing developmental, educational, patriotic, communicative function and integrating individuals and social groups, it helps any nation to progress.

Coming to Northeast in general and Arunachal in particular, it is a fact that sports comes naturally among its people. As a child grows up in this region, a natural inclination to participate in sports develops from a young age. Unlike other states where sports and games are thought to be a waste of time and a distraction from studies, Northeast parents are different, and correctly so.

Over last few years, Arunachal Pradesh as a part of its sports policy has adopted multiple strategic measures. Lucrative cash awards and incentives for achievers in various levels of competitions, job reservation etc have already started making their effectiveness felt. Recent successes of the state’s sports persons and the ensuing shower of glamour and money have sent the signal that sports can be embraced as a career too.

But real priority should be in building infrastructures and upgrading the existing ones fast. The sight of a nicely maintained stadium, like a magnet will pull youths to sports, so often called as a great leveller or neutralizer and thus save society from various evils and tensions.

No tribal talent should decay for want of care and infrastructure. This should be the single point agenda.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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