By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: In a significant move to strengthen athlete welfare and long-term career preparedness, the Nagaland Department of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) has introduced two new initiatives aimed at nurturing the overall growth of young sportspersons and enhancing their future livelihood prospects.
The programmes – the Mentorship Programme for Holistic Development of Student Athletes and the Skill-Based Economic Sustenance Programme for Athletes were formally launched at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima by YRS Secretary Anthony Ngullie on June 9.
The initiatives are targeted at trainees of the Indira Gandhi Academy and are designed to ensure that athletes receive guidance not only in sports but also in education, personal development and career planning. Officials said the department is seeking to create a more balanced ecosystem where athletes can prepare for life after competitive sports while continuing to pursue excellence on the field.
As part of the mentorship programme, 11 departmental officers have been assigned to mentor nearly 140 athletes. Each mentor will work closely with a small group of students, providing support on issues ranging from academic performance and emotional well-being to discipline, goal-setting and future career choices.
The year-long initiative, which will run until March 2027, aims to establish a structured support network through regular interactions, counselling sessions and personalised guidance.
Addressing the gathering, Ngullie said the programme complements the work of coaches by focusing on aspects of an athlete’s life that extend beyond training and competition. He noted that the effort represents a progressive step towards integrating sports development with personal growth and professional preparedness.
To further strengthen athletes’ financial independence, the department has also launched a vocational training programme for participants aged 15 years and above. Scheduled to commence on June 11, the programme will continue through October and offer practical training in a range of income-generating skills.
According to YRS officials, participants will be trained in areas such as mobile phone repair, crochet work, food processing, pickle production, baking and confectionery, as well as floristry. The objective is to provide athletes with alternative career pathways and entrepreneurial opportunities that can support them beyond their active sporting years.
Each course will be conducted over a month, combining classroom instruction by industry experts with hands-on practical sessions to ensure participants gain real-world experience.
The department expressed optimism that the twin initiatives will empower young athletes with the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to build successful futures, both within and outside the sporting arena.