By NE NOW NEWS
Aizawl: Mizoram Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar has said hockey remains one of the shortest routes for India to win international medals.
Hmar met Union Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss sports development in Mizoram, according to a statement issued by the state Information and Public Relations department on Wednesday.
The discussions focused on reviving Mizoram’s hockey legacy and expanding sports training infrastructure across the state.
During the meeting, Hmar expressed the state’s interest in establishing a men’s hockey academy to nurture young Mizo talent.
“While Mizos are naturally talented in hockey, the game has seen a decline in recent years. Hockey is one of the most viable routes to securing international medals for India,” the minister said.
Referring to the success of the women’s hockey academy in Thenzawl in Serchhip district, Hmar proposed setting up a similar academy for men.
He also sought additional Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centres in Mizoram under the “Empowering Mizoram Sports” programme in four disciplines — hockey, badminton, archery and wrestling.
Rao, who is also the Director General of the Sports Authority of India, assured the minister that efforts would be made to promote hockey in the state and improve existing facilities to enhance training standards.
He reiterated the Centre’s commitment to promoting hockey as a priority sport discipline.
Praising Mizoram’s sports development vision, Rao said the state has the potential to emerge as a major contributor to India’s sporting success if it continues on the current path.
He also appreciated Mizoram’s recent achievements in badminton and said the success attained by Mizo footballers could be replicated in other disciplines.
Rao further said several sports training initiatives in Mizoram are well-positioned to become accredited centres under the Khelo India.