At the Telangana–North East Connect Sports Festival, a special panel discussion titled “Spirit of the Games – Connecting Telangana and North East” was held today, bringing together leading sportspersons, officials, and representatives from sports associations across Telangana and the Northeastern states. Mizoram’s Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Lalnghinglova Hmar, spoke on “Mizoram – Future Sports Powerhouse,” highlighting the immense sporting potential of the region. Telangana’s Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan outlined the state’s initiatives for sports development, while badminton legend Pullela Gopichand shared insights on talent grooming at his academy. Padma Shri and football icon Bhaichung Bhutia emphasized public participation and sports governance, and Padma Shri weightlifting champion Mirabai Chanu discussed challenges faced by women athletes and proposed solutions.

Arjuna Award–winning boxer L. Sarita Devi spoke about the pivotal role of coaches in shaping athletes, while Tripura’s Arjuna Awardee Mantu Debnath stressed the importance of academies in nurturing gymnasts. Sports journalist Indranil Das highlighted the transformative social impact of sports in the Northeastern region, with veteran Manipur journalist Pradip Phanjoubam moderating the discussion. Speakers collectively emphasized the vast opportunities for collaboration between Telangana and the Northeastern states in the sports sector. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sony Baladevi, Managing Director, Sports Authority of Telangana, and was attended by several Arjuna and Dronacharya Awardees, sports federation representatives, coaches, and officials.