New Delhi, July 2, 2025: Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of State for Sports & Youth Services and Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (LESDE) in Mizoram, held a meeting yesterday with Union Minister for Sports and Labour Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya at his residence on Tughlaq Road, New Delhi. The discussion focused on the construction of an ESI Hospital and the development of sports infrastructure in Mizoram.
Minister Pu Lalnghinglova highlighted the urgent need for a 30-bed ESI Hospital under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme in Mizoram, given the state's limited industrial base and lack of existing ESI healthcare facilities. He noted that although around 15,000 people have enrolled under the scheme, access to ESI hospitals remains a major gap. “Awareness campaigns and enrolment drives have increased participation, but without the hospital, we cannot meet our targets,” he stated.
In response, Union Minister Dr. Mandaviya acknowledged the importance of the request and assured full support, affirming that the establishment of an ESI hospital in Mizoram is under serious consideration.
On the sports front, Pu Lalnghinglova thanked the Union Minister for the Cabinet’s recent approval of the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, which he said will benefit states like Mizoram where sports talent - especially in football - is thriving. He pointed out that Mizoram has the highest number of players in both the Indian Super League and I-League, emphasizing the need for enhanced infrastructure to maintain and grow this momentum.
Calling for centrally supported sports facilities, he proposed the establishment of a modern football stadium in Mizoram to bring it on par with other states. He also urged stronger Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) support for sports development under the new NSP framework.
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In response, Dr. Mandaviya expressed admiration for Mizoram’s sporting achievements and assured continued assistance. He said the National Sports Policy aims to transform Indian sports holistically, and Mizoram will be a priority for infrastructure upgrades. He also confirmed that a joint meeting with PSU leaders and the Mizoram Sports Minister will be convened to push forward infrastructure plans.
Several sports infrastructure projects in Mizoram have already been approved and are underway, including:
• ₹11.5 crore Multidisciplinary Indoor Stadium under Khelo India,
• ₹38.4 crore for three indoor stadiums under NESIDS-OTRI,
• ₹9.88 crore Synthetic Hockey Turf at Hnahthial under PMJVK,
• ₹11.85 crore Artificial Football Turf at Thenzawl,
• ₹12.01 crore Artificial Football Turf at Champhai.
These projects are expected to significantly boost sports participation and training opportunities in the state.
