In a bid to keep the youth away from insurgency as also to tap talent, the Home Ministry is planning to organise sports tournaments in the North-East. The sports meets would be organised by the paramilitary forces under their community outreach programmes.
The plan is intended to help the youth nurture their talent and get exposure in the national and international events through proper training, Home Ministry officials said adding there is a large pool of untapped talent in remote and tribal areas, particularly in the Northeast, and sports competitions would help authorities to identify such talents and bring them to national training facilities. “This would also supplement the government’s efforts to wean the teenagers away from the cult of violence and hatred spread by naxal and other militant /insurgent groups,” according to a Home Ministry document.
The Northeastern region, which had been witnessing insurgency for last several decades, has also contributed several big names in boxing, archery, long distance running, javelin throw, football, etc. In the past.“We are planning to host the sports tournaments in all Northeastern states phase wise. Hopefully, it will send a positive message to the youth of the region,” officials said.