Aizawl | June 13, 2025: Mizoram Minister of State for Sports & Youth Services, Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, today held a crucial meeting with Pullela Gopichand, India’s National Chief Badminton Coach and founder of the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy (PGBA), along with Neelam Babardesai, Head of Sports at Tata Trusts, and Sajith John, Senior Consultant at Tata Trusts (NEIDA).
The meeting, held at the Minister’s chamber in MINECO, was also attended by leaders of the Mizoram Badminton Association and focused on long-term collaboration to nurture badminton talent in the state.
Minister Hmar expressed gratitude for their visit and praised the potential synergy between the PGBA and Tata Trusts in uplifting Mizo players. He noted that results from earlier collaborations already indicate the strong talent pool in Mizoram. “In the next 10 years, we want to see the highest number of Mizo sportspersons representing India in the 2036 Olympics. This partnership will help us realize that dream,” he said.
Hmar also emphasized the state’s commitment to establishing world-class training facilities, including local academies, advanced sports science support, and injury management systems.
Pullela Gopichand, former Vice President of the Badminton Association of India and a renowned coach, said he sees strong potential in Mizoram and values the association's proactive support. “Mizoram has the atmosphere and hunger for excellence. In 10-15 years, top Indian players will need such dedicated training environments, and Mizoram can offer that with the right infrastructure,” he stated.
He further stressed the importance of not only developing academies but also ensuring performance-oriented training to produce elite players.
Both Pullela Gopichand and Neelam Babardesai will also attend the closing ceremony of the 1st Mizoram Grassroots Badminton League on June 14, 2025.
The meeting reflects Mizoram’s growing ambition to emerge as a powerhouse in Indian badminton, with strong institutional support and strategic partnerships.
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