Governor of Nagaland, Nand Kishore Yadav, chaired a review meeting of the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) at the Naga Bhavan Conference Hall, Lok Bhavan, Kohima, on June 18.

During the meeting, the Department presented an overview of its mandate, achievements, ongoing programmes, infrastructure projects, challenges, and future plans relating to youth empowerment and sports development in the State. The Department highlighted its efforts in promoting leadership, skill development, cultural engagement, volunteerism, and grassroots sports while nurturing talented athletes for participation at state, national and international levels.

The Governor reviewed major sporting events and youth programmes conducted during 2025–26, including the Nagaland’s Next Top Player initiative, State-Level Pre-Subroto Tournament, National Sports Day celebrations, youth festivals, youth exchange programmes, adventure activities, women’s futsal initiatives, grassroots football development, and the successful hosting of regional and national sporting events in the State.

The Department also apprised the Governor of the achievements of Nagaland sportspersons in disciplines such as taekwondo, sepaktakraw, archery, boxing and pencak silat, where athletes secured medals and accolades at national and international competitions.

Reviewing the infrastructure sector, the Governor was briefed on completed and ongoing projects under various schemes, including Khelo India, Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), PM-DevINE, NESIDS-OTRI, State Plan and Innovation Schemes. The Department informed that several multipurpose indoor halls, futsal grounds, sports facilities and cultural infrastructure projects have been completed across the State, while major projects such as the Kohima Multi-Disciplinary Sports Centre are currently under implementation.

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The Governor also reviewed the activities of allied wings under the Department, including the National Service Scheme (NSS), Bharat Scouts and Guides (BS&G), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), and the Engineering Wing, which collectively contribute towards youth development, community engagement, leadership building and infrastructure creation.

The Department highlighted key challenges, including the need for enhanced budgetary support for grassroots and gender-responsive sports development programmes, greater opportunities for persons with disabilities in sports, and strengthening employment avenues for sportspersons. It further informed the Governor about future initiatives, including the proposed Chief Minister’s Sports Initiative, which aims to provide scholarships, advanced coaching and exposure opportunities for talented athletes, as well as the expansion of grassroots football programmes across the State.

The Governor appreciated the Department’s efforts in promoting youth welfare and sports excellence and emphasized the importance of creating greater opportunities for young people to develop their talents, leadership abilities and sporting potential. He encouraged the Department to continue strengthening grassroots initiatives and to ensure that the benefits of youth and sports programmes reach all sections of society across Nagaland.

Senior officers of the Department of Youth Resources and Sports attended the meeting and presented detailed reports on various programmes and projects being implemented by the Department.