TAWANG, Feb 12: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday flagged off the second edition of the Tawangchu Tides International Kayaking Championship at the scenic Tawangchu River, welcoming over 100 participants from across India and abroad to the high-altitude sporting event.
Addressing athletes, officials and spectators, Khandu, who is also the chief patron of the championship, thanked the organising committee, the Arunachal Olympic Association, the Arunachal Kayaking & Canoeing Association (AKCA), the Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association (IKCA), and supporting partners for successfully hosting the event. He made special mention of Bilquis Mir, India’s first female Olympic jury member in kayaking and canoeing, stating that her presence would inspire young athletes to aim for the Asian Games and Olympics.
Highlighting the state’s immense natural potential, the Chief Minister said Arunachal Pradesh’s mighty rivers offer ideal conditions for kayaking and canoeing. Referring to AKCA’s proposal to develop five river basins as training hubs, he informed that the proposal has been forwarded to the Secretary, Youth Affairs & Sports, and assured that the government would work in coordination with technical teams and IKCA to establish additional training centres.
Khandu noted that kayaking and canoeing are relatively new disciplines in the state, with AKCA formed only last year and the Tawang district association constituted this year. He also highlighted the transformation in Arunachal’s sporting landscape over the past decade.
“There was a time when Arunachal ranked among the lowest in national sporting performance. Today, as per the 38th National Games rankings, we stand second in the Northeast after Manipur,” he said, expressing confidence of further improvement in the upcoming 39th National Games in Meghalaya.
The Chief Minister attributed the progress to sustained investments in sports infrastructure and youth development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Informing that the state has won over 1,000 medals at national and international levels in the past decade, he highlighted achievements in disciplines such as taekwondo, boxing, weightlifting, judo and wushu.
Khandu congratulated kayaking athlete Devi Dada for winning a bronze medal in the Kayak Cross event at the 38th National Games and described her as an inspiration for aspiring sportspersons.
Announcing that the State Government has officially funded the championship and declared it an annual calendar event under the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Khandu said efforts would be made to attract corporate sponsorships and CSR partnerships to elevate the event to international standards.
Khandu said such international sporting events would significantly boost tourism and economic activity in the region, benefiting local communities, while positioning Tawang as a global adventure sports destination.
He also acknowledged the recent establishment of a kayaking and canoeing training centre in the region and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots sporting infrastructure.
The Chief Minister extended his appreciation to the Indian Army, SSB, the NGO Yuva Arunachal, the District Administration including ADC Jang and ADC Lumla, and the Tawang Kayaking & Canoeing Association for their support and coordination in organising the championship.
He congratulated all participants and expressed confidence that the championship would continue to grow in stature and inspire a new generation of athletes from Arunachal Pradesh.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini attended as Guest of Honour along with local legislators, Race Director Charanjiv Singh, AKCA President Dr Joram Aniya and other dignitaries.