The Government of Nagaland on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for the relocation of the SAI Training Centre to the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex (MDSC) in Dimapur, a move aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure and athlete development in the state.
According to a DIPR update, the MoU signing ceremony was held at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex in Kohima.
Addressing the programme, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described the agreement as the beginning of a new chapter in Nagaland’s sporting journey. He said the relocation of the SAI Training Centre marks a significant milestone achieved through years of sustained efforts to strengthen the state’s sports ecosystem and create greater opportunities for young athletes.
Rio said the operationalisation of the new training centre would provide athletes with access to quality coaching, modern residential facilities and scientific support systems, thereby boosting sports development not only in Nagaland but across the North East.
Expressing satisfaction over other ongoing SAI infrastructure projects at the MDSC, Dimapur, the Chief Minister said these initiatives would significantly enhance the state’s training ecosystem and promote high-performance sports.
Highlighting the government’s continued investment in the sports sector, Rio said Nagaland recognises the immense potential of its youth and has focused on developing modern sports infrastructure, sports science, grassroots competitions, athlete welfare and capacity building. He also recalled the inauguration of 16 new sports infrastructure projects earlier this month, adding that several more are in the pipeline.
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Speaking on behalf of the Sports Authority of India, Deputy Director General, Majushree Dayanand described the occasion as a landmark in the partnership between SAI and the Government of Nagaland. She appreciated the state government for providing a new venue for the training centre and facilitating the establishment of a Centre of Excellence.
Quoting, “To go far, we need to start near,” Dayanand said Nagaland possesses immense sporting talent that requires proper nurturing, motivation and encouragement. She urged the local community to embrace sports as a viable career option for young people, adding that sports play an important role in shaping responsible and productive citizens.
Earlier, Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, S Keoshu Yimkhiung, in his welcome address, said the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent and building a strong sports culture in the state. He noted that the relocation of the training centre would provide athletes with improved opportunities to train and compete at the highest level.
Also speaking at the programme, Abu Metha, Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), credited Chief Minister Rio for his vision and sustained efforts in promoting sports despite numerous challenges.
Metha said sports have the power to unite the nation and integrate young people into the national mainstream. He also appealed to the Sports Authority of India to consider customised sports programmes tailored to the unique needs of the North East to further strengthen grassroots sports development in the region.
