The United Sports Association of Mizoram on Saturday called on the Union Sports Minister Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore to strengthen the Sports Authority of India installments in Mizoram.
According to the leaders of the USAM, Sports Authority of India’s facilities in Mizoram are way below standard, sports trainees undergoing training at the SAI installations lacked even the basic amenities, not to talk of special diet and facilities to nurture Mizoram’ young talents.
“We have requested the sports minister of Mizoram to look into the matter and he too, had written numerous letters to the SAI authorities but to no avail; so we made the decision to approach the Union Sports Minister,” said USAM’s joint secretary Lallianthuama.
USAM’s leaders met the Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Friday and had assured them that he would look into the problems faced by the Mizo sportspersons.
“The Union Minister telephoned SAI Director General, Neelam Kapoor and set us an appointment to meet her,” Lallianthuama said.
“Our meeting with the DG of SAI was very fruitful, she assured us that she would personally ask the regional director to inspect SAI facilities in Mizoram,” USAM stated.
It is evident that the presence of SAI in sports loving state of Mizoram is almost unknown. The SAI complex at Mission Vengthlang in Aizawl lacks even basic infrastructures. Compared to other northeastern states the presence and the importance of SAI in Mizoram is almost nill.
“Athletes in Mizoram have already proven themselves in various disciplines in India, only recently a young Mizo boy was qualified to participate in the upcoming Youth Olympics, the immense talents here need to be tapped, the Centre should upgrade the SAI installation in Mizoram to bring out the best of the state sportspersons,” Lalllianthuama said.