Northeast to Host Annual Khelo India Games; Mandaviya Highlights Region as Sports Powerhouse

New Delhi: Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday reaffirmed the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the sports ecosystem in the Northeast, identifying the region as a powerhouse of athletic talent. Addressing the Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the Minister announced that the Khelo India Northeast Games will be hosted annually in one of the eight Northeastern states.

The initiative, he said, would not only scout emerging talent but also spotlight traditional sports unique to the region. The eight participating states include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.

Highlighting the transformation of the Northeast over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Dr. Mandaviya stated, “Once known only as the region of India’s first sunrise, the Northeast is now contributing actively to the making of ‘Naya Bharat’. The rise of elite athletes from the region reflects its growing influence in India’s sporting landscape.”

With India eyeing to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and the Summer Olympics in 2036, Dr. Mandaviya stressed that India’s geographical diversity positions it as an ideal year-round host for global sporting events. “From snowfall in the Himalayas to monsoon in the south and summer heat in the west, India offers the perfect conditions to establish a ‘Play in India’ model akin to ‘Make in India’,” he said.

A Thriving Sports Ecosystem

Dr. Mandaviya shared impressive statistics that underscore the government’s investment in the region:

• 86 sports infrastructure projects currently in use in the Northeast.

• Rs 439 crore sanctioned in 2021 under the Khelo India scheme for 64 projects, including synthetic turfs, multi-purpose halls, swimming pools, and hostels.

• 250 Khelo India Centres (KICs) nurturing over 8,000 athletes.

• 8 Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) providing advanced training support.

• 3 National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) in Guwahati, Itanagar, and Imphal training 600 athletes.

The Minister also highlighted the success of the ASMITA League, a flagship initiative focused on women athletes, which saw participation from around 13,000 girls from the Northeast last year. “This is clear proof that the region is becoming a thriving nursery of talent that will build the future of Indian sports,” he said.

A Digital Push for Talent Identification

In a tech-enabled boost to talent scouting, Dr. Mandaviya announced the launch of a massive talent identification drive through the National Sports Repository System (NSRS) portal. “Anyone can upload a video showcasing a player’s performance. Our talent scouts will visit the location to assess and induct potential athletes into the Khelo India Centres or NCOEs,” he explained.

Recalling the success of the Khelo India University Games Ashtalakshmi in 2023, hosted by the Northeast, Dr. Mandaviya said the event marked a significant milestone in demonstrating the region’s ability to conduct high-profile national events across disciplines such as athletics, football, boxing, and archery.

“With the sports goods industry and training ecosystem expanding rapidly, the day is not far when the world will come to the Northeast to compete. The best of Indian athletes are coming from here—and they are taking Indian sports to new heights,” the Minister concluded.