Mizoram has stepped up efforts to strengthen its sports ecosystem, with Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar meeting Hari Ranjan Rao in New Delhi to seek a dedicated men’s hockey academy and additional Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centres in the state. According to an official statement issued on May 6, the discussions were held under the “Empowering Mizoram Sports” programme and focused on expanding sports infrastructure while reviving hockey in the northeastern state.
Hmar highlighted Mizoram’s strong sporting culture and said hockey, despite its recent decline in the state, remains one of India’s strongest medal prospects at the international level. Referring to the success of the women’s hockey academy at Thenzawl, he proposed setting up a similar academy for men to develop young talent. The minister also sought additional SAI training centres in hockey, badminton, archery and wrestling to widen access to professional coaching and athlete development.
Rao, who also serves as Director General of SAI, assured support for improving hockey infrastructure and optimising existing sports facilities in Mizoram. He said the Centre remained committed to promoting hockey as a priority disc ipline and praised the state’s long-term sports development strategy.
