- The total sanctioned cost is Rs.643.34 crore
- 75 sports infrastructure projects with a sanctioned cost of Rs.520.60 crore approved for NER: Centre
IndiGlobal Bureau
Here is good news for Manipur State, which has been in the news for the wrong reasons. Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Singh Thakur stated that the first National Sports University of the country has been allocated to the northeast state of Manipur at a total sanctioned cost of Rs.643.34 crore. He pointed out that Sports infrastructure in the North-eastern region has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the last nine years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With the shift from ‘Look East Policy’ to ‘Act East Policy,’ the Government has given special emphasis and impetus to sports infrastructure in the North-east region, the minister felt.
He further said that 1000 Khelo India centres will be dedicated to the country this year itself , out of which 227 Khelo India Centres are being established in the North-east.
He also informed that the Ministry has approved 75 sports infrastructure projects at a combined sanctioned cost of Rs.520.60 crores. 3 National Centres of Excellence, 12 SAI Training Centres and 22 Khelo India accredited Sports Academies are already functional in the North-Eastern States, he said.
Highlighting the contribution of the North-East to sports, the Minister said that sportspersons hailing from the North East have brought laurels to the country especially women sportspersons like Mary Kom, Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain. He also hailed the contribution of sportspersons Bhaichung Bhutia and Shiva Thapa.
Anurag Thakur also remarked that all essential steps are being taken to support the NE States, and the Government is positively and continuously sanctioning the proposals received from the NE, including Nagaland. Under Khelo India Scheme, the second Khelo India Games were held in Guwahati, he added.