Arunachal emerges second-top sporting state in Northeast: Minister

Arunachal Pradesh has emerged as the second-highest performing state in the Northeast in the field of sports, State Sports Minister Mama Natung Jini asserted on November 26. 

His remarks came as the state hosted the prestigious 69th National School Games in Itanagar—an event Governor Lt. General KT Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retd.), formally inaugurated at the Khelo India Indoor Stadium on 26 November 2025.

In his inaugural address, the Governor said the National School Games is a celebration of youth, talent, and the spirit that shapes the nation’s future. Extending his best wishes to the young athletes, he reminded them that the Games are not just about competition but also about learning, bonding, and growing together. He urged participants to embrace challenges, play with passion, respect their opponents, and uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship.

The Governor expressed confidence that the event will nurture a strong pool of athletes who will one day represent India in taekwondo and weightlifting on the global stage. He encouraged the students to dream big, aim high, and strive for excellence not only in sports but in every aspect of life.

Emphasizing India’s growing sporting ambitions, the Governor called for a scientific approach to talent nurturing—particularly the promotion of sports medicine to help match a child’s natural abilities with the right discipline. He urged schools and sports departments across India to invest more in playgrounds, trained coaches, and quality infrastructure so that every child is encouraged to participate, develop, and discover their true potential.

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He also expressed pride that Arunachal Pradesh—one of the youngest states and the newest member of the School Games Federation of India—has achieved a historic milestone by hosting the 69th National School Games. With boxing already completed and taekwondo and weightlifting underway, this marks the first time in 71 years that the SGFI has entrusted Arunachal Pradesh with such a prestigious event. The Governor said this is a testament to the state’s rising commitment to sports and its readiness to host national-level competitions of the highest standards.

The Governor commended the Education Department for its dedicated efforts in organising the event. He said competitions of this scale enrich the state’s sports calendar, inspire greater participation, and nurture qualities such as discipline, teamwork, and healthy competition—values essential for building confident and resilient citizens.

MLA and Advisor to the Home & Education Minister, Mutchu Mithi, and Commissioner of Education Amjad Tak also addressed the gathering, highlighting the significance of the National School Games.

A total of 1,291 participants—including 843 girls—from 26 States, 6 Union Territories, and 8 Central Organisations are in Arunachal Pradesh for the Games. Competitions are being held in two disciplines: taekwondo with 890 players and weightlifting with 401. Around 140 technical officials and nearly 200 parents are also attending the event.

Sports Minister Jini’s assertion that Arunachal stands second in the Northeast in sporting strength has added to the state’s growing confidence as it hosts one of the largest school-level events in the country.