Namsai, December 21: The 2nd Edition of the State Level Mukhya Mantri Champion (U-17 Boys & Girls) Literary & Sports Meet 2023-24 begins at Namsai today. The Championship is being organised by the Department of Secondary Education in collaboration with the Namsai District Administration.
The tournament was declared opened by Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein at General Ground, Namsai.
Addressing the event, Mein highlighted the scheme’s role in nurturing excellence among the youth, offering a comprehensive range of Literary Activities and Sports Events.
He also stressed the scheme’s overarching aim: to cultivate champions not just in sports but also in literary pursuits. Expressing confidence in the potential of Arunachal Pradesh’s youth, Mein highlighted the recent victories at the National Games in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. By supporting district and State-level competitions, the scheme becomes a stepping stone for the representation of talented State champions at the National Level, fostering national and international recognition. With 13 medals secured in the recent National Games, Arunachal Pradesh proudly asserts itself as a testament to the burgeoning talent pool within the region.
Mein also announced the immediate release of Rs 1 crore fund for the tournament. He remembered the first renowned footballers from the State like Late Chow Indrajit Namchoom and Late Chow Surajit Gohain (Mein) who represented the Northeast Region in various National Level Football Tournaments. He called upon the youths to maintain the legacy of football.
Citing the unwavering commitment of the State Govt to harness sports talents and to facilitate them, the Govt is providing all training and infrastructural requirements. He informed that General Ground Namsai will be developed as a Football Stadium with a fund of Rs 38 Cr under NESIDS where the ground for all other athletic events like Running track, Shot put, Discuss throw, Pole vault, long and high jump will be accommodated. He also informed that two more stadiums, one at APIL Namsai and another at Chongkham, are also coming up.
Underscoring the State’s commitment to nurturing talents in both athletics and literary pursuits among its youth, the Mukhya Mantri Champion Scheme, now in its second year, continues to be a significant initiative supported by the State Government, as evident in its inclusion in the Budget Announcement. The emphasis on funding for Government Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools for sports and literary activities signifies the government’s commitment to nurturing these talents at the grassroots level, ensuring that every student can showcase their abilities.
The Literary activities hosted under the scheme include Essay Writing, Elocution, Extempore Speech, Drawing and Painting, Story Writing, and Quiz Competitions. Concurrently, the range of sports activities encompasses races, Shot Put, Discus Throw, Javelin Throw, Long Jump, and High Jump.
Minister of Education, Cultural & Indigenous Affairs Taba Tedir, MLA Namsai Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Director of Secondary Education Marken Kadu, among others attended the event.
