Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma has urged the state government to play a proactive role in encouraging youths so that many more promising sportspersons could be identified and groomed for future.
“Many promising players of the state hang up their boots due to lack of support, facilities and sponsorship,” the Governor said while inaugurating the North East Zone Inter State Badminton Championship here on Wednesday, official sources said here Thursday.
“Like in life, when we play a game we may either win or lose. Sport teaches us to accept success with humility and failure as a stepping stone to succeed next time,” the Governor said.
Citing Saina Nehwal’s success, Sharma said that her new blonde look and her brand endorsements attract media attention, “but not much is usually reported about the kind of unflinching dedication and commitment that she has had towards her rigorous training schedule for many years.”
He also recalled the successes of Indonesian shuttler Rudy Hartono and India’s own Prakash Padukone in 1974, and advised the players to improve their physical fitness and develop their attacking style to succeed at the international level.
Congratulating Laa Talar, who has represented India at several international events, the governor also conveyed his appreciation to Laa Yajum, Jokam Ribya, Gita Karki and others who have won laurels for the state in various competitions at the junior and sub-junior levels, sources added.
Organised by the Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA) under the aegis of the sports and youth affairs directorate, players from all seven states of the North East region are taking part in the four-day competition which is slated to be an important platform for the youth. (PTI)