UKHRUL: In a significant effort to transform Ukhrul into a sporting powerhouse in the Northeast, Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah recently met with Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse. He strongly advocated for establishing the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre and an Astro Turf football ground in Ukhrul district under the prestigious Khelo India programme, the Dawn Tantak reported.
The meeting, held on May 24, has sparked renewed hope among the sportspersons and youth of the hill district, which has a history of producing exceptional footballers and athletes despite facing severe infrastructural challenges.
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In an interview, Ram Muivah shared that the Union Minister responded positively and acknowledged the sporting potential of the Ukhrul district.
“I met with the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadseji, on May 24, to discuss the opening of a SAI Training Centre and an Astro Turf ground under the Khelo India programme. She was kind and supportive,” the MLA stated.
On May 23, 2026, Ram Muivah submitted a comprehensive proposal urging the Ministry to approve the establishment of a new SAI Institute and Sports Complex in Ukhrul district as a special case in the public interest.
In his proposal, Ram Muivah emphasized the glaring lack of sports infrastructure in the district, despite Ukhrul’s notable contributions in producing national and international players over the years. He included earlier recommendations and communications from the Sports Authority of India’s North Eastern Regional Centre (SAI NERC) in Imphal, dating back to 2017 and 2018, which supported the development of a Sports Complex and SAI SAG Centre in Ukhrul.
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The MLA asserted that creating a synthetic football turf, an SAI SAG Centre, and a modern sports complex would not only nurture local talent but also create a structured pathway for young athletes from remote hill areas to compete at national and international levels.
Despite lacking proper sports infrastructure, Ukhrul has consistently produced talented players. Establishing adequate infrastructure is essential for channeling and developing more national and international sportspersons from the district,” the proposal stated.
Importantly, the land documents for the proposed projects have already been countersigned by the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul district, and the North Eastern Council (NEC) has reportedly expressed a willingness to provide gap funding support for the initiatives.
Ram Muivah’s latest initiative is being widely regarded as a visionary step toward empowering youth through sports, promoting healthy engagement, and opening new opportunities for aspiring athletes from Manipur’s hill districts.
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If approved, the proposed SAI Centre and Astro Turf facility could signify a historic turning point for Ukhrul, transforming the district into a vibrant sporting hub and finally acknowledging the immense talent that it has to offer. sporting talent emerging from the Tangkhul hills.