Pasighat: The sportspersons of Arunachal Pradesh have the full support of the present state government and the day is not far when Arunachalees would start to win medals at the Olympics, said Sports and Youth Affairs minister Mama Natung on Tuesday.
Natung, who was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the first-ever Adi Sports Festival (ASF) at College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF) ground near here said, a major push is being made by the state government under the leadership of chief minister Pema Khandu to promote the games and sports sector in Arunachal.
“The state’s department of sports and youth affairs also has been encouraging the youths to participate in sports and advising them to stay away from drugs. Accordingly, several youths have excelled and brought laurels to the state in various sporting disciplines,” he said.
The minister also called upon the NGOs and community based organizations of the state to play a key role in youth development.
Terming youths as the backbone of the society, Natung stressed on channelizing their potential and energy in the right way through games and sports and other positive initiatives.
He also highlighted the “Drugs Chodo, Khel Mein Jodo” campaign of the state government stating that sports is one of the positive mediums to wean the youth away from drug abuse.
Air Gun Surrender Abhiyan:
Taking opportunity, Natung, who is spearheading the ‘Air Gun Surrender Abhiyan’ in the state, also advocated for protection and preservation of wildlife.
“The state government with the support of the community and various stakeholders is committed to make Arunachal Pradesh, the first Airgun-free state in the country,” he said.
The ‘Air Gun Surrender Abhiyan’ is an initiative of the state government to dissuade hunting and create awareness on the ill-effects of killing wildlife. Air guns are commonly used by people to hunt birds.
Speaking as the guest of honor, health and family welfare minister Alo Libang lauded the initiative of ABKYW for organizing the first ever Adi Sports festival.
He hoped that such a platform would help the youths imbibe discipline, teamwork and a healthy lifestyle.
Adi Sports Meet background:
ABKYW president Joluk Minung while highlighting the objectives of organizing the Sports Festival said, the event, besides focusing on providing a platform to the youths to showcase their talent, also aims to disseminate the message of “No to Drugs” and develop leadership and other qualities among the youths.
“This will help them become responsible citizens of the society,” he said.
ABKYW general secretary Jote Mingki also spoke.
Organized by the Adi Bane Kebang – Youth Wing (ABKYW) wit the them ‘Say No to Drugs’, the 6-day-long Adi Sports Festival would witness sportspersons from 6 districts namely Shi-Yomi, Upper Siang, Siang, East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley and Namsai compete in several sporting disciplines.
Among others, MLAs Ninong Ering and Kaling Moyong, Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) president Getom Borang AAPSU general secretary Tobom Dai and Pasighat divisional forest officer (Territorial) Tashi Mize were present on the occasion. (With inputs from DIPRO)
