Mizoram became the first state in India to accord industry status to sports to bolster the sports activities in the state. The Northeast state, known for its sports enthusiastic people and politicians, was appreciated by many for the decision.
The Mizoram cabinet recently took the decision which is likely to generate employment in the sector.
Among the eight Northeast states, Mizoram, which has a pool of footballers who play for various leading clubs across India, already finds its footprint in the country’s sports world, especially in football.
“Since 2010, at the national level, talks were going on to accord the industrial status to sports. As sports are a state subject, the central government has limited role in this regard. The Mizoram cabinet granted the industry status to the sports fulfilling a long aspiration of the sports lovers,” Mizoram Sports Minister Robert Romawia Royte said.
Royte, who owns I-League club Aizawl FC, further said, “With the granting of industrial status to sports, we expect huge investment and multi-faceted benefits and scopes. Besides, all the industrial benefits including subsidies, banking facilities would now be extended to sports. The latest decision would facilitate the generation of employment in the sports sector.”
Apart from football, the landlocked state is also known for hockey and weightlifting.
The decision has been hailed from across the country. Sports persons and organizers have said that other states should also follow Mizoram’s footsteps.
