Indus Valley Times

By Payal Banerjee

Bhubaneswar,Oct.12 : In a significant initiative towards promoting grassroots sports and nurturing sporting talent in Northeast India, NTPC Bongaigaon signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Mizoram State Sports Council (MSSC), Government of Mizoram, on 8th October 2026 as part of the organisation’s strategic CSR in North East for the establishment of an Archery Academy at Lengpui in Mamit district of Mizoram.

The project, with a financial commitment of Rs 13.28 crore (₹1,328.11 lakh) under NTPC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, will be implemented over three years as an infrastructure-related CSR project. The initiative aims to develop dedicated infrastructure for archery training and provide aspiring athletes with access to professional coaching, modern equipment and structured sporting opportunities.

The MoA was signed in the presence of Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar, Hon’ble Minister for Sports & Youth Services, Government of Mizoram; Shri Henry C. Lalrawnkima, Secretary, Mizoram State Sports Council; and Shri Amit Kumar Asthana, Additional General Manager (HR), NTPC, along with other officials of the Government of Mizoram.

Envisaged as a dedicated centre for developing archery talent, the proposed academy will focus on identifying promising young athletes, strengthening their technical skills and preparing them for competitive sporting events at district, state and national levels. The facility will provide systematic coaching, regular practice opportunities and essential training resources to encourage greater participation in archery, particularly among school and college-going youth and emerging athletes from Mizoram and neighbouring areas. The Mizoram State Sports Council will serve as the implementing agency, responsible for establishing, operationalising and maintaining the academy in accordance with the agreed project framework. NTPC Bongaigaon will extend financial assistance and monitor implementation through periodic reviews and progress assessments.

Beyond creating physical infrastructure, the project seeks to establish a sustainable platform for sports development by connecting grassroots talent with structured training and competitive opportunities. It is expected to contribute to improved sporting capabilities, wider participation in organised sports and the development of a stronger archery ecosystem in Mizoram. Mizoram and the wider Northeast have demonstrated considerable sporting potential, with young athletes increasingly pursuing opportunities across different disciplines. The proposed academy is expected to build on this sporting enthusiasm by providing an institutional framework through which emerging archers can develop their skills and pursue competitive aspirations.

The collaboration also reflects the growing role of public sector enterprises in supporting sports development as part of broader community development programmes. By investing in training infrastructure and talent development, NTPC Bongaigaon seeks to create opportunities that extend beyond conventional CSR interventions and contribute to long-term youth empowerment.

The initiative marks another step in NTPC Bongaigaon’s strategic CSR outreach across Northeast India, with an emphasis on building lasting community assets, encouraging youth participation and supporting inclusive regional development.Through its association with the Government of Mizoram and the Mizoram State Sports Council, NTPC Bongaigaon aims to support the development of a new generation of archers, providing young sporting talent with improved opportunities to train, compete and aspire towards excellence at national and international levels.