Arunachal Pradesh has taken a major step forward in sports development with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports facility in Kamle district under the Khelo India initiative. The facility, built at a cost of ₹8 crore, was officially inaugurated by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on May 3. The event saw the participation of local leaders, athletes, schoolchildren, and residents who welcomed the new infrastructure as a significant milestone for the region.
The new centre includes indoor and outdoor sports training amenities aimed at nurturing young talent and promoting sports culture across the district. Officials confirmed that the facility features courts for badminton, basketball, and volleyball, along with dedicated zones for fitness training, martial arts, and yoga. It is designed to accommodate a wide range of sports disciplines in line with the Khelo India mission of encouraging grassroots participation.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Mandaviya stressed the Centre’s commitment to inclusive sports development and said that remote districts like Kamle deserved equal opportunity and support in nurturing future champions. He praised the efforts of the Arunachal government for aligning with national goals and said that this initiative would serve as a model for future projects in other parts of the Northeast.
The Kamle facility is expected to train over 500 aspiring athletes each year, providing them with access to certified coaches, modern equipment, and structured development programmes. The centre will also serve as a venue for inter-school and district-level tournaments, offering young players much-needed exposure and competitive experience.
Arunachal Pradesh Sports Secretary Talo Potom called the facility a game-changer and said it would bridge the existing gap in sports infrastructure in tribal and rural pockets of the state. He added that the state is currently mapping similar projects in other underrepresented districts to ensure widespread access to sports training.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who joined the event virtually, congratulated the people of Kamle and reiterated the state’s vision to position Arunachal as a talent hub, particularly in adventure and indigenous sports. He pointed out that the new facility is in line with the larger strategy to channel youth energy towards positive pursuits and career paths in sports.
The local community in Kamle welcomed the development, with parents and educators expressing hope that the centre would keep youth engaged and motivated. Many students shared their excitement about finally having access to a professional training space and looked forward to being mentored by qualified coaches.
Officials from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) confirmed that they would soon appoint trainers and support staff at the Kamle centre and launch athlete identification drives in nearby schools. The initiative is also expected to generate local employment through facility management, security, and logistics support.
Environmental sustainability was also factored into the design of the facility, which uses solar panels for power and rainwater harvesting systems to ensure efficient resource use. Authorities have ensured that the architecture complements the natural landscape and promotes eco-conscious sports development.
With this new Khelo India facility, Kamle is set to become a hub for youth-driven change through sports. It reflects a broader shift in the state’s development agenda that puts emphasis on health, discipline, and empowerment through sporting excellence.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports plans to monitor the centre’s impact closely and use feedback to replicate similar models across other tribal regions. As Arunachal Pradesh continues to emerge as a rising force in Indian sports, this new step underscores the transformative power of targeted investment and policy in unlocking rural potential.
Local sports enthusiasts believe the facility could significantly reduce the need for aspiring athletes to travel to other districts or states for quality training. This decentralization is expected to ease financial burdens on families and help retain talent within Arunachal Pradesh.
Community leaders noted that the centre may also inspire more girls to take up sports, especially with a safe and inclusive environment now available in Kamle. Officials said special outreach programmes will soon be conducted to encourage female participation in various disciplines.
The Arunachal Olympic Association has welcomed the move and expressed interest in collaborating with the facility to identify candidates for state-level and national-level competitions. They emphasized the need to track performance data systematically to create a pipeline of talent for future international events.
Plans are also underway to integrate digital tools and performance tracking software at the facility, which could enhance athlete development through real-time feedback and analytics. Government sources hinted at future collaborations with private firms for sports tech implementation in the centre.
Looking ahead, the administration is exploring the possibility of hosting regional sports festivals and talent hunts at the Kamle facility. Such events would not only boost local pride but also generate tourism and stimulate the district’s economy through hospitality and related sectors.