Mizoram’s Sports Minister Advocates for Employment Through Sports

Mizoram Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar emphasized the importance of sports as a means for employment and youth development at the Sport India Conference. He highlighted Mizoram's success in producing top football players and discussed future plans to prepare athletes for the 2036 Olympics, including a mega sports coaching project.

Mizoram Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar on Friday underscored the need for the nation to leverage sports as a tool for employment generation for young people. Speaking at the Sport India Conference in New Delhi, Hmar asserted that sports should transcend mere amusement or physical health benefits.

Hmar emphasized, "Sports are not only for amusement. India should harness sports as a means for employment generation for the youth and as a platform to nurture them, ensuring they bring laurels to the country." The conference was organized by the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI) in partnership with the Sport India Foundation.

Despite being a small state, Mizoram has produced 192 football players for the Indian Super League in the past decade. Hmar stressed the importance of grassroots training and announced that Mizoram is preparing athletes for the 2036 Olympics. He also revealed plans for a state-wide sports coaching project and efforts to revive hockey, with a focus on producing more male players.

(With inputs from agencies.)