Union Minister Raksha Khadse visits SAI NEHU Centre
EGIONAL: Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse visited the Sports Authority of India (SAI) North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Centre in Shillong Thursday where she interacted with athletes, coaches and officials while reviewing the centre's sports infrastructure and training environment.
During the visit, she toured various sports facilities and assessed ongoing training activities across multiple disciplines. Khadse actively interacted with young athletes and coaches, motivating them to excel with discipline and determination. Her participation in sports activities, including Indian round archery and football underscored the significance of grassroots engagement and sports participation.
Khadse highlighted the transformative impact of sports in developing confident and resilient youth, recognizing its role in social development and national progress. She pointed out the North East's rich sporting talent and culture, stressing the necessity of enhancing infrastructure, coaching and development programmes to help local athletes succeed on national and international stages.
She specifically mentioned the SAI NEHU Shillong Centre's potential as a high-altitude training destination for elite athletes, attributing it to the region's natural beauty and favorable conditions for training. With ongoing support and development, she believes the centre can become crucial for athletes preparing for competitive events.
Khadse highlighted that sports foster physical fitness, leadership skills, teamwork, and positive social interactions among youth. Accompanying her were Rajnish Mishra, Assistant Director at SAI, John Kharshing, Working President of the Meghalaya Olympic Association along with various officials, coaches and support staff.
This visit is part of the Ministry's broader initiative to enhance sports infrastructure, athlete support systems and grassroots sports development within the North East region.