Itanagar: Sports and Youth Affairs minister, Mama Natung, has expressed his belief in Arunachal’s potential to become a dominant force in sports across the country.
Speaking at the 5th National Junior Boxing Championship here, Natung extended his gratitude to the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) for granting Arunachal Pradesh the opportunity to host the championship in Itanagar. He also acknowledged the Arunachal Amateur Boxing Association (AABA) for their successful organization of the event.
The minister expressed optimism about Arunachal’s ability to host national tournaments and emphasized the significance of the boxing championship as a valuable platform for young athletes.
“We exerted our best efforts to ensure the success of this championship. I believe that this event has provided a solid foundation for the junior boxers of our nation who will represent India in major international tournaments in the future,” he said.
Addressing the state’s sports landscape, Natung highlighted the significant improvements that have been made since Pema Khandu assumed office as chief minister.
He acknowledged the abundance of talent in boxing and other sports within Arunachal but stressed the need for technical guidance to elevate these athletes to the next level.
Natung mentioned the state’s remarkable achievements, stating, “Since Pema Khandu’s tenure began, our players have won 900 medals, including 81 medals in various international events. I am confident that our players will continue to perform even better in the future.”
Regarding the “Mission Olympic” initiative, the minister revealed that CM Khandu had instructed them to focus on four to five disciplines and establish dedicated academies to nurture talent. He assured that efforts were being made to eliminate any infrastructural shortcomings.
Natung also expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to prioritizing the development of Northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh, in the realm of sports.
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