Guwahati:
Setting a benchmark, the Government of Mizoram has given industry status to sports in a bid to inject more vitality into the thriving sporting culture in the state.
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanha, hoping for a "vibrant transformation" with this move, said that this is "for the love of Mizoram and its youth who are obsessed with sports."
Robert Romawia Royte, the Sports Minister of the state also took to Twitter to express his satisfaction, where he wrote, "In yet another unprecedented move to venture for the promotion of sports ecosystem in #Mizoram, the Cabinet today decided to grant 'Industry Status' to Sports. Congratulations to all sporting fraternity."
This move of the Government has been, by-and-large, lauded by sports personalities. Shaji Prabhakaran, President of Football Dehi, took to Twitter to laud the Government in its initiative. "Mizoram govt grants Industry status to Sports, the first by any State in India. Mizoram govt is way ahead of other States in India to understand the importance of sports. Football in Mizoram will get further boost from this step. Hope other States in India follow same", Prabhakaran wrote.
It is pertinent to mention here that with the entire nation grappling with the complexities of the coronavirus pandemic, Mizoram has chosen to embrace good vibes via its 'Fit Mizoram' campaign. The initiative has received a significant push from the Government after the nation went into lockdown mode in March 25 last. The Mizo National Front (MNF) led administration led from the forefront by Zoramthanga has been putting an emphasis on embracing fitness as a means to beat the pandemic-woes and has been encouraging citizens to beat the pandemic by staying fit, healthy, and mobile.