Arunachal Govt Grants ₹2.49 Crore to Athletes, Unveils New Coaching & Empowerment Scheme

The Arunachal Pradesh government has taken a significant step toward promoting sports and empowering its athletes by distributing cash incentives worth ₹2.49 crore to 411 athletes and para-athletes. These incentives were awarded to recognize their outstanding achievements at the state, national, and international levels, highlighting the government’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent across the state.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu personally handed over the incentives during the event and emphasized the government’s unwavering support for the sporting community. He noted that so far, Arunachal Pradesh has extended a total of ₹7.1 crore in financial assistance to 940 athletes over the years. According to him, these consistent efforts demonstrate the government’s clear vision of building a robust sports ecosystem where athletes from the state can not only compete at the highest levels but also excel, ultimately bringing greater recognition and glory to Arunachal Pradesh.

During the program, CM Khandu reiterated that the state is fully determined to create an environment where young sporting talent is nurtured and supported in every possible way. He stressed that sports are not just about individual achievement but also about creating role models who can inspire future generations of players. By investing in athletes, the government aims to make sports a strong pillar of development in Arunachal Pradesh.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Chief Minister’s Athlete Coaching & Empowerment Scheme, which is a revamped and upgraded version of the earlier CM’s Meritorious Sportsperson Scholarship. While the previous scholarship scheme mainly focused on rewarding excellence, the new program has been designed to go beyond financial recognition. It will provide structured coaching, modern training facilities, and comprehensive support systems to athletes. The scheme aims to offer holistic development, focusing not just on performance rewards but also on grooming athletes for long-term success. This new approach reflects the state’s vision to transition from sporadic recognition to sustained investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development.

The event was attended by several dignitaries and leaders of the state, demonstrating the government’s collective commitment to sports promotion. Among those present were Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Member of Parliament Tapir Gao, Speaker Tesam Pongte, Education Minister Pasang D. Sona, Sports Minister Kento Jini, Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor, and Advisor Zingnu Namchoom. Their presence underlined the importance of the initiative and the unity among political leaders in encouraging sports as a means of youth empowerment.

A notable moment of the program was the appreciation expressed by prominent athlete Hillang Yajik Kabak Yano, who praised the government’s sustained and consistent efforts to support sportspersons in Arunachal Pradesh. Such endorsements from leading athletes further highlight the positive impact of the state’s policies and schemes on the ground.

Overall, the distribution of ₹2.49 crore in incentives, combined with the launch of the new coaching and empowerment scheme, reflects Arunachal Pradesh’s long-term strategy of building a stronger sports culture. By rewarding achievements, offering structured coaching, and creating an ecosystem of holistic support, the state government aims to position Arunachal Pradesh as a growing hub of sports excellence in India.