The Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) has called for a dedicated sports development roadmap for the Tirap, Changlang and Longding (TCL) districts, stressing that stronger sports infrastructure and organised planning can play an important role in guiding young people towards positive opportunities. AOA Secretary-General Bamang Tago made the appeal while attending the inauguration of the Inter-Village Games and Sports Competition held as part of the Oriah Festival celebrations at Kanubari in Longding district on Sunday.
Speaking at the event, Tago expressed concern about the challenges faced by youths in the TCL region, particularly their vulnerability to substance abuse and negative influences. He said that sports can act as a powerful platform to channel the energy of young people in the right direction, help them stay focused on constructive activities, and connect them more strongly with the national mainstream. According to him, a clear and long-term sports development roadmap, supported by better infrastructure and systematic training, would help the region unlock its full potential.
Tago pointed out that Longding district has continued to produce talented athletes despite the shortage of basic sports facilities. He said the achievements of athletes from the district show that determination and talent can overcome many challenges, but long-term success will require proper support systems, training centres, and improved sports infrastructure. He noted that several players from Longding have represented Arunachal Pradesh at national and international competitions in disciplines such as wushu, taekwondo, arm wrestling, athletics, archery and karate, bringing recognition to the state.
Among the well-known sportspersons from the district are international wushu player Nyeman Wangsu and national-level athlete P. Martina Wangjen. In taekwondo, the district has produced international player Khinsan Wangsu and national-level athletes Kozam Wangsu, Angap Wangsu, Howhai Wangsu, Nowhai Wangsu and Jangoi Wangpan. Longding has also produced several arm-wrestling athletes who have competed at the national level, including Phutong Wangsu, Honjung Wangnaw, Tonpha Monwangham, Jankai Toham, Pulai Kanham and Laiphu Joham.
In athletics, Anung Wangsu and Achik Wangsa have represented the state in national competitions, while Ngamleh Wangsa has competed nationally in archery. International karate player Kambung Wangsa has also added to the district’s growing list of sporting achievements. Officials said that these achievements demonstrate the strong sporting potential that exists in the region, even though athletes often train with limited facilities.
Tago made special mention of Nyeman Wangsu, who has won three gold medals at the National Games. He said that Nyeman Wangsu, along with Onila Tega and Mepung Lamgu, had earlier qualified for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, but could not participate because of domicile-related issues. He added that the athletes are currently undergoing advanced training in Indonesia, sponsored by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, as part of preparations for the 20th Asian Games scheduled to be held in Japan. He expressed hope that with proper training and consistent support, athletes from the region would perform strongly in upcoming international competitions.
Emphasising the importance of community participation, Tago appealed to parents, elders, community leaders and local organisations to actively encourage young people to take part in sports and physical activities. He said that talent identification at the grassroots level, combined with regular competitions and structured coaching, can help create a strong sports culture in the region. With focused planning and investment in infrastructure, he said, Kanubari has the potential to develop into a major sporting hub for the entire TCL region.
Earlier, Oriah Celebration Committee president Lamlang Wangjen highlighted the role of inter-village games in promoting sports at the grassroots level. He said that such events provide young athletes an opportunity to showcase their abilities, build confidence and develop a spirit of teamwork and healthy competition. He also stressed that regular village-level tournaments can help identify promising players who can later be trained for higher-level competitions.
