Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Chowna Mein on Wednesday met and felicitated the medal winners of the 1st North East Olympic Games 2018 played in Manipur’s Imphal from October 18-24 last at a function held at the State Guest House in Itanagar.
Arunachal Pradesh registered its best-ever medal haul to finish third in ranking after Manipur and Assam with 18 gold, 22 silver and 39 bronze. Altogether, 182 players participated in 12 disciplines in the North East Olympic Games. Mein, congratulating the medal winners, urged them to remain focused and persevere to achieve greater heights. He said that a comprehensive plan must be formulated with a strong political and social will to develop the sports infrastructure in the State so that sports gain momentum and achieve greater heights in the days to come.
“It is a matter of great satisfaction that we are celebrating the success of our medal winners who have brought laurels to the State by proving their mettle in 1st North East Olympic Games held in Manipur,” he said, adding that sports have been given priority by the State Government for its overall development in Arunachal Pradesh.
He further said that concerted efforts and focus on the development of sports infrastructure and facilities to promote talents from the block level must be given a fillip for more sports and athletic activities in the State. “There is no dearth of talent in our State and our sportspersons are doing well at the national and international levels. I hope that players of Arunachal Pradesh achieve new heights with each passing day,” he remarked.
He also complimented the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy and the coaches of the medal winners for their contribution to raising and grooming the players to represent the State at national and international events.