Pema Khandu opens Arunachal State Games, unveils big sports push

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 19, 2025

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the 4th Arunachal State Games 2025 in a grand opening ceremony at Yupia’s Golden Jubilee Stadium on Friday evening, pledging strong government support to athletes and sports infrastructure across the state.

Congratulating athletes from every district, Khandu hailed their hard work and rising success, noting that Arunachal finished second among Northeast states in the recently concluded 38th National Games with a 13-medal tally. “We are aiming for a top-10 finish in the next National Games in Meghalaya,” he said.

Underlining the state’s “Mission Olympics” initiative, Khandu announced that athletes would receive professional training at premier centres across India—and abroad if required. “We will not hesitate to send our sportspersons to global training hubs if that’s what it takes to help them succeed,” he added.

He emphasized the critical role of infrastructure in shaping sports careers, listing newly built stadiums across the state—including the Golden Jubilee Stadium itself—as symbols of a growing sports culture. New stadiums will soon begin construction in Lower Dibang Valley, Lower Siang, Pakke Kessang, and Longding, he confirmed.

Building on recent milestones like hosting the Santosh Trophy finals, Khandu announced Arunachal will host the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-19 Championship in May. “What once seemed impossible is now happening,” he said.

In a major announcement, Khandu revealed that a world-class stadium with a 25,000-seat capacity will be built in the state capital, with the site already identified.

The opening ceremony was attended by Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain, Sports Minister Kento Jini, Advisor Zignu Namchoom, MLA Techi Kaso, Itanagar Mayor Tame Phassang, BJP State President Kaling Moyong, and Arunachal Olympic Association leaders including President Taba Tedir and Secretary General Bamang Tago.

The 4th State Games will see hundreds of athletes competing across disciplines, marking a strong push in Arunachal’s sporting journey from the sidelines to the national stage.