Chief Minister Pema Khandu has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening sports in Arunachal Pradesh through the Arunachal sports development roadmap under the ambitious ‘PEMA 3.0’ plan. The initiative aims to create a strong sports ecosystem by improving infrastructure, identifying talent, and encouraging youth participation at all levels.
During a review meeting in Itanagar, Khandu emphasized that the new phase of his government’s plan focuses on performance, empowerment, modernization, and accountability — the core pillars of PEMA 3.0. He said that sports have become a powerful tool for social change and unity, especially among the younger generation. The initiative, he noted, seeks to make Arunachal one of India’s leading sporting states.
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Building Modern Sports Infrastructure
One of the key priorities of the Arunachal sports development vision is infrastructure expansion. The Chief Minister announced plans for new multipurpose indoor stadiums, athletic tracks, and training centers in every district. He also directed departments to ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects like the sports complex in Chimpu and the high-performance center in Itanagar.
According to Khandu, well-equipped facilities will help local athletes train professionally and compete nationally. He added that sports infrastructure should not remain limited to urban areas. Rural regions, where much of the state’s talent resides, will receive equal attention under the new policy framework.
To further strengthen grassroots engagement, the government plans to collaborate with schools and colleges. This will help spot young athletes early and provide them with training opportunities and scholarships.
Empowering Youth Through Sports
Khandu highlighted that Arunachal sports development is not just about building stadiums but also about empowering youth. Sports, he said, help develop discipline, teamwork, and resilience — values that contribute to both personal and social progress.
The PEMA 3.0 framework includes the introduction of state-level sports academies and residential training centers for promising athletes. These centers will offer scientific coaching, nutritional support, and access to advanced fitness equipment. The government also intends to promote gender equality in sports by ensuring equal opportunities for women athletes.
Khandu expressed pride in the achievements of young Arunachali athletes in national and regional events. He said that with proper guidance and infrastructure, the state could produce more champions in the near future.
Promoting Indigenous Games and Local Talent
A special feature of Arunachal sports development under PEMA 3.0 is the inclusion of indigenous games. Khandu stated that traditional sports like archery, yak racing, and wrestling are part of the state’s cultural identity. Preserving and promoting these activities is as important as excelling in mainstream disciplines.
The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs has been tasked with organizing district-level indigenous sports meets and integrating them into school sports programs. This approach, the Chief Minister said, will ensure that traditional skills are passed down to younger generations while giving local athletes recognition and career opportunities.
He also urged private organizations and sports federations to partner with the government in nurturing local talent. Public-private partnerships, according to him, can accelerate sports growth by combining resources and expertise.
Fostering a Culture of Fitness and Participation
In addition to elite sports, PEMA 3.0 promotes fitness and recreational activities for all citizens. Khandu mentioned that every Arunachali should adopt sports as a lifestyle, not just a career path. “A healthy society creates a strong nation,” he said, encouraging people to engage in daily exercise, outdoor activities, and community games.
The government plans to launch a “Fit Arunachal” campaign to raise awareness about health and physical fitness. This initiative will involve schools, local clubs, and community organizations to create inclusive participation in sports and physical activities.
Moreover, the Chief Minister stressed that investing in sports brings multiple benefits — from reducing youth unemployment to preventing drug abuse. By channeling young energy into positive pursuits, sports can play a major role in shaping a productive society.
Enhancing Opportunities for Coaches and Officials
Recognizing that quality coaching is essential for athlete success, the Arunachal sports development mission under PEMA 3.0 also focuses on building a skilled support system. The government will conduct capacity-building programs for coaches, referees, and sports administrators to meet national standards.
Khandu said that training local coaches will help ensure continuity and mentorship within the community. In addition, the government plans to introduce incentives and performance-based rewards for coaches who produce national-level athletes.
He added that partnerships with national sports bodies like the Sports Authority of India (SAI) will enhance the technical and managerial capacity of the state’s sports system.
Boosting Sports Tourism and Regional Events
The Chief Minister also spoke about turning Arunachal Pradesh into a hub for sports tourism. With its scenic landscape and adventurous terrain, the state offers the perfect setting for activities like trekking, mountain biking, and adventure racing.
Events such as the Tawang Marathon and Mechuka Adventure Festival have already gained popularity among tourists and athletes. Under PEMA 3.0, the government aims to host more national-level tournaments and festivals to promote both sports and tourism together.
This strategy will help local businesses and communities benefit from increased visitor inflow while showcasing Arunachal’s vibrant culture and natural beauty.
Vision for a Sporting Future
As the meeting concluded, Khandu reiterated that Arunachal sports development is central to his vision for youth empowerment and inclusive progress. He said that the success of PEMA 3.0 depends on cooperation among departments, local bodies, and citizens.
“Our goal is not just to create champions but to build a culture where every child has access to sports,” Khandu stated. “Through PEMA 3.0, we will transform sports into a movement that unites our people and inspires our youth.”
With a clear roadmap, strong leadership, and active community involvement, Arunachal Pradesh is set to emerge as a rising sports powerhouse in the Northeast.
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