On November 19, 2025, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who heads the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), chaired High-Level Task Force (HLTF) meetings on sports. The discussions focused on strengthening high-performance sports across the Northeast, with the “One Sport, One State” approach taking center stage. Officials from Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) participated, underscoring the government’s commitment to nurturing athletic talent in the region.
DoNER Minister Scindia HLTF Meetings on Sports: Key Highlights
The HLTF meetings emphasized a structured sports development model tailored to each Northeastern state.
One Sport, One State Strategy
- Manipur: Focus on football, leveraging its grassroots popularity.
- Mizoram: Specialization in boxing, building on its history of producing champions.
- Meghalaya: Emphasis on athletics, tapping into natural talent and terrain.
- Assam: Concentration on archery, aligning with traditional skills and cultural heritage.
This flagship sport allocation ensures resources are streamlined, infrastructure is developed strategically, and athletes receive specialized training.
Why the HLTF Meetings Matter for Northeast India
The DoNER Minister Scindia HLTF meetings on sports are more than administrative exercises—they represent a vision for Northeast India’s sports ecosystem.
Boosting Talent Development
- Establishing state-level academies for flagship sports.
- Enhancing coaching standards with international collaborations.
- Providing scholarships and training grants for promising athletes.
Infrastructure Growth
- Upgrading stadiums and training centers.
- Introducing sports science and physiotherapy facilities.
- Ensuring rural outreach so talent from remote areas is not overlooked.
Northeast India: A Powerhouse of Sports
The Northeast has long been recognized as a nursery of Indian sports talent. From Mary Kom’s boxing legacy in Manipur to Baichung Bhutia’s football journey from Sikkim, the region has consistently produced athletes who shine on global stages.
By reinforcing the One Sport, One State model, the HLTF meetings aim to institutionalize this success and create a pipeline of world-class athletes.
For more on India’s sports development policies, visit Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
DoNER Minister Scindia’s Vision
During the HLTF meetings, Scindia highlighted the importance of sports as a tool for empowerment. He emphasized that:
“Northeast India has unmatched talent. With the right infrastructure and focus, we can make this region the sporting capital of India.”
This statement reflects the government’s broader agenda of integrating sports into regional development and youth empowerment.
Role of the Sports Authority of India
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) plays a pivotal role in implementing the HLTF’s recommendations. Their responsibilities include:
- Deploying national-level coaches to Northeastern academies.
- Facilitating international exposure trips for athletes.
- Monitoring performance metrics to ensure accountability.
Challenges Ahead
While the HLTF meetings mark progress, challenges remain:
- Funding gaps for infrastructure projects.
- Retention of talent, as many athletes migrate to metros for better facilities.
- Balancing traditional sports with modern demands.
Addressing these hurdles will be crucial to realizing the vision of One Sport, One State.
Call to Action
The DoNER Minister Scindia HLTF meetings on sports on November 19 reaffirmed India’s commitment to making the Northeast a sports powerhouse.
If you’re passionate about sports development, follow updates from the DoNER Ministry and the Sports Authority of India. Support local athletes, attend regional tournaments, and be part of India’s journey toward becoming a global sporting hub.
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