CM Pema Khandu Inaugurates 69th National School Games 2025 in Itanagar

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CM Pema Khandu Inaugurates 69th National School Games 2025 in Itanagar

1. Context:

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the 69th National School Games 2025 (Under-17 Boys & Girls – Boxing) at the Khelo India Indoor Stadium, Itanagar. This marks the first time in the 71-year history of the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) that Arunachal Pradesh is hosting the event.2. Key Highlights:

• The event is a landmark occasion for Arunachal Pradesh, symbolizing its growing presence in India’s sports landscape.
• The Chief Minister emphasized that Arunachalee athletes have excelled nationally in disciplines like Taekwondo, Karate, Wushu, Boxing, and Weightlifting.
• Since its affiliation with SGFI in 2008–09, the state has made remarkable progress in school-level sports development.

3. Infrastructure and Policy Initiatives:

• The state government has significantly invested in sports infrastructure, including:
  • Khelo India Centres
  • Multipurpose indoor halls
  • National-level stadiums
  • Specialized sports academies
• Additionally, the government provides:
  • Financial incentives for outstanding athletes
  • Job reservations for sportspersons
  • Technical and training support to nurture emerging talent

4. Vision and Significance:

• Hosting the National School Games aligns with the state’s vision to make Arunachal Pradesh a hub of sporting excellence in the Northeast.
• It showcases the integration of sports with youth empowerment and regional development.
• The event contributes to India’s broader sporting success story under national initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India Movement.

STATIC INFORMATION

• School Games Federation of India (SGFI):
  • Established: 1954
  • Objective: To organize national-level school sports and promote sports culture among school-going students.
  • Affiliation: Recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India.
  • Event: National School Games held annually for various age categories and disciplines.
• Khelo India Programme:
  • Launched: 2018
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
  • Objective: To revive sports culture in India by building a strong framework for all sports played at the grassroots level.
  • Key Components: Talent identification, sports infrastructure, financial assistance, and athlete development.

Updated – 28 October 2025 ; 8:46 PM | News Source – News On Air