Mizoram min highlights state's sports model at nat'l meet

Aizawl: Sports and youth services minister Lalnghinglova Hmar highlighted Mizoram's model of sports development, integrating state leagues with local media partnerships, during the Chintan Shivir of ministers of youth affairs and sports of states/UTs, held in Hyderabad on Friday and Saturday.

Hmar, who co-chaired two key sessions at the conference, emphasised how Mizoram's structured grassroot leagues in football, basketball and volleyball—run in collaboration with the local media—have significantly contributed to talent development.

He noted that despite Mizoram's small population of just 11 lakh, the state has produced four players for the national football team, showcasing the success of its model.

The two-day conference, organised by the ministry of youth affairs and sports (YAS), was presided over by Union youth affairs & sports minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and minister of state Raksha Nikhil Khadse. It featured seven sessions, with Hmar leading the discussions on ‘Talent Search and Nurturing of Grassroot Talent' and ‘Welfare of Sportspersons & Coaches and Sports Recruitment Policy.'