Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Thursday inaugurated 16 sports infrastructure projects under the Department of Youth Resources & Sports at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex, Kohima, reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to transforming Nagaland into a sporting hub through world-class infrastructure and athlete development.

The inauguration of the projects was done through video conferencing, which was attended by Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports, S Keoshu Yimchunger, legislators and senior government officials.

Rio said the Government has put in place a long-term strategy to transform sports in Nagaland. He stated that the vision is to develop sports infrastructure on par with the best in the country and provide sportspersons with world-class training to help them excel and bring glory to both the State and the nation.

He said the inauguration marked more than the opening of new buildings, as it also created new opportunities for the people of the State. Although the projects were inaugurated virtually across different locations, he described the occasion as a milestone that everyone would cherish.

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Highlighting the growing significance of sports, the Chief Minister said that sports have evolved beyond recreation into a vibrant industry capable of generating employment and creating new opportunities. He added that by fostering a strong sporting culture, strengthening the capacity of coaches and trainers, and providing greater exposure to athletes, the State can nurture sporting talent and build a brighter future.

According to a DIPR update, the projects comprise of four under the Khelo India scheme and twelve State-funded initiatives aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure across Nagaland. The newly inaugurated facilities include multipurpose halls, indoor sports halls, futsal grounds and administrative infrastructure spread across several districts of the State.

The Khelo India projects include the construction of Multipurpose halls at Changtongya and Mangkolemba in Mokokchung district, a multipurpose hall at Niuland district, and a pre-fabricated indoor sports hall at Wokha.

Among the State-funded projects are construction of futsal facilities at Kiphire, Noklak, Wokha Town and construction of futsal with amenities at Chozuba, pre-fabricated multipurpose halls at Wokha Village, Aboi, Tobu, Razaphe Basa, Jakhama Town, the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex in Kohima and MDSC, Dimapur, as well as the construction of the DYRS Office and Quarter at the New District Headquarters, Peren.