Northeast's Sporting Spirit

We try and understand how events like Khelo India can help tap the potential of the Northeast

- Manjum Mahanta

In the last couple of years, the Northeast has put itself on the sporting map, with big, national events being held in the major capital cities. Assam conducted the 33rd National Games of India in 2007. Meghalaya will be conducting National Games in 2022 and work is already underway to complete the required infrastructure. Mizoram is also hoping to host the National Games in 2024, though they are yet to receive the green signal. The 12th South Asian Games held at Guwahati and Shillong in February 2016 was a big success. Also, sportspersons from the region have proved their mettle in national and international events, bringing laurels to the country. Not to forget, ministers from the region have held high positions in the Sports Ministry; Kiren Rijiju from Arunachal Pradesh is the current MoS Sports for India. Hence, it was no surprise that the Northeast, or more specifically, Guwahati, was chosen to host the 3rd edition of Khelo India.

Despite the State suffering from strikes and protests due to the Citizenship Amendment Act, the Youth Affairs and Sports Department pulled up its socks to make the event a success. Lakhya Konwar, member secretary of the Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry of Assam, talking to Eclectic NorthEast shared, ‘We are glad to have celebrated the third edition of Khelo India Youth Games in Guwahati without any discrepancies. Every event was a success with participation from all the states. We look forward to holding more such events in the future as well.’

Game, Set, Success