Union MoS Raksha Khadse reviews Mizoram sports ecosystem on September 15

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse arrived in Mizoram on 15 September 2026 for a three‑day visit focused on strengthening the state’s sports ecosystem. She was welcomed by Mizoram Sports Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, who accompanied her to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centre at Mission Veng (also referred to as the SAI centre in Aizawl). The minister met officials of the Sports & Youth Services Department, coaches, athletes and representatives of various sports bodies.

Key discussions

The dialogue centred on improving Centre‑State coordination, expanding sports infrastructure and nurturing talent from grassroots to elite levels. Khadse highlighted the importance of quality coaching, scientific support, rehabilitation, nutrition and regular competition exposure for young athletes from the Northeast. She reiterated that the Khelo India Scheme is pivotal in creating pathways from grassroots participation to competitive sport.

“Providing young sportspersons from the Northeast with quality coaching, scientific support and competition exposure is essential for their progress to national and international levels,” Khadse said.

She also linked sports development to the nation‑building agenda of “Viksit Bharat 2047”, stating that progress in sports is a critical component of India’s goal to become a developed nation by 2047.

Infrastructure projects

The minister announced the continuation of the Khelo India infrastructure project that will lay a synthetic hockey turf and install lighting at the SAI training centre in Aizawl. This upgrade aims to strengthen hockey facilities in the state, complementing existing strengths in football and hockey.

Athlete highlights

Khadse praised the achievements of Mizoram athletes, citing football and hockey as sports where the state shows strong potential. She specifically mentioned Lalremsiami Hmarzote, Mizoram’s first female Olympian and first Asian Games medallist, who trained at the SAI academy in Thenzawl and was selected for the Arjuna Award 2025.

Future outlook

The minister affirmed that the Union government will continue to build a complete athlete development ecosystem, where infrastructure is complemented by coaching, sports science and competition opportunities. She urged sustained institutional support and closer facilities to athletes’ homes to enable more sportspersons from Mizoram and the wider Northeast to reach national and international stages.

• Visit date: 15 Sept 2026 – Source 1
• Location: SAI centre, Mission Veng, Aizawl – Source 3
• Welcomed by: Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar – Source 1
• Key themes: Centre‑State coordination, infrastructure, Khelo India, talent nurturing – Source 1
• Infrastructure upgrade: synthetic hockey turf and lighting – Source 1
• Athlete highlighted: Lalremsiami Hmarzote – Source 1
• National vision: Viksit Bharat 2047 – Source 3
• Programme mentions: Empowering Mizoram Sports, Grassroots Sports Development Programme – Source 4