Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to double the number of youth training slots at the National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS) in Dirang. This major initiative aims to strengthen adventure sports and empower young people through professional training. The expansion also highlights the state’s commitment to developing leadership and discipline among its youth.
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Doubling of youth training at NIMAS
Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced that the number of youths sponsored for training at NIMAS will increase from 200 to 400 each year. The move ensures that more young residents can gain access to structured and certified training in adventure sports. It reflects the government’s plan to use adventure training as a tool for skill development and youth empowerment.
During his recent visit to NIMAS, the Chief Minister reviewed its facilities and ongoing upgrades. He appreciated the institute’s role in shaping the future of adventure education in India. He also discussed the need to enhance capacity and infrastructure in line with the expansion plan. The focus of this initiative, known as youth training at NIMAS, is to open new opportunities for young people across Arunachal Pradesh.
NIMAS is the only institute in India that provides certified adventure training across all three domains—land, air, and water. It conducts courses in mountaineering, paragliding, scuba diving, rafting, and several other sports. The expansion means more young people will get the chance to explore these fields and build professional skills that can lead to stable and exciting careers.
Encouraging youth participation in adventure
Arunachal Pradesh is known for its mountains, rivers, and diverse terrain, which make it a natural hub for adventure sports. By doubling the youth slots, the government is giving young people greater exposure to these thrilling activities in a structured and safe environment. This change also helps nurture a new generation of trained professionals who can represent the state in national and global platforms.
Adventure sports offer more than just excitement. They build mental strength, teamwork, decision-making, and physical fitness. The youth training at NIMAS encourages participants to step out of their comfort zones and develop qualities essential for leadership. With this move, the government is not only promoting sports but also preparing its youth for future challenges.
The Chief Minister said that the initiative will motivate young people to embrace discipline, courage, and responsibility. He believes that adventure education can play a vital role in transforming the lives of rural youth who might otherwise lack access to such facilities.
Expanding facilities and resources
NIMAS, located in Dirang, is already equipped with advanced infrastructure and skilled instructors. However, to accommodate the doubled intake, the institute is undergoing several upgrades. New classrooms, dormitories, and training spaces are being added to maintain quality standards. Equipment and safety gear are also being enhanced to ensure trainees receive the best possible experience.
An important part of this development is the Aqua Excellence Centre, which focuses on water-based sports such as rafting, kayaking, and scuba diving. This centre allows students to train in a controlled and professional setting, improving their confidence and expertise. Such additions are helping NIMAS strengthen its position as India’s top adventure training institute.
The director of NIMAS and his team are also expanding community engagement programmes. These initiatives encourage schools and local organisations to send young people for training, ensuring equal participation from various regions of Arunachal Pradesh.
Opportunities created through training
The youth training at NIMAS provides multiple benefits. Firstly, it develops technical skills in sports such as mountaineering, aero-adventure, and aqua-adventure. Secondly, it offers certifications that help young people find employment in tourism, sports, and rescue services. Thirdly, it instills confidence and leadership qualities that are useful in every career.
This initiative also supports the growing adventure tourism industry in the state. With trained youth as guides, instructors, and event coordinators, Arunachal can attract both domestic and international tourists. The combination of natural beauty and skilled adventure professionals will make the state a preferred destination for thrill seekers.
The government expects that the increased number of trainees will create new career paths for local youth. Those trained at NIMAS can work in private adventure firms, tourism departments, or start their own ventures. They can also participate in national expeditions or represent India in global events.
Challenges and the way forward
While doubling the training slots is a significant step, it also brings challenges. The government and NIMAS need to ensure that facilities match the growing number of participants. The quality of instruction must remain consistent, and safety standards should never be compromised. Continuous monitoring, equipment upgrades, and regular instructor training will help maintain excellence.
Another challenge is spreading awareness about these opportunities in remote regions. Many talented young people remain unaware of such government-sponsored programmes. Therefore, local outreach campaigns and collaborations with schools are essential to ensure equal access.
Moreover, the training should connect directly with job opportunities. Without practical employment options, the skills gained could go underutilized. The government plans to link trained youth with adventure tourism projects and private agencies to solve this issue.
Vision for the future
Arunachal Pradesh aims to become a leading adventure destination in India. The government believes that promoting youth training at NIMAS will help achieve that vision. With its mountains, rivers, and skies, the state offers endless potential for outdoor sports. By empowering the youth with the right training and exposure, it is building both confidence and careers.
The Chief Minister’s vision is clear—adventure sports should not remain a privilege of the few but become a path for youth empowerment and economic growth. The doubling of training slots at NIMAS is a powerful step in that direction. It combines skill development, tourism promotion, and employment creation in one integrated policy.
As Arunachal moves forward, the partnership between the state and NIMAS will continue to grow stronger. The goal is not only to train 400 youths annually but also to inspire thousands more to take up adventure sports responsibly and professionally.
In the years ahead, the initiative will likely transform Arunachal into a centre for adventure education, attracting attention from across India. Through the expansion of youth training at NIMAS, the state is setting a benchmark for how sports, education, and opportunity can come together to shape a brighter, more dynamic future.
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