A ceremony was held in Hakha at the site of where the first sports academy in Chin State is planned. Vice-president Henry Van Thio placed the first brick and threw fragrance water to bless the location.
Planners of the new facility said the academy will encourage athletic development in Chin State by providing a place that is suitable for young athletes to advance their skills.
“The healthcare and sport ministry wants to promote sport for all. Everybody needs to be healthy. The Sport Academy will be a place for talented young athletes to develop,” said Pau Lum Ming Thang, the social minister for Chin State.
“I’m hopeful the Sport Academy will produce talented athletes that will win gold medals in ASEAN athletic competitions,” he said.
For the construction of the academy, the Union government will provide about US$132,000 in the 2018-2019 fiscal year and the following fiscal year will give US$129,000. Yon and Thura Lin Co was awarded the contract to build the new academy that will have four buildings, a student dormitory and a large sports ground. Courses in judo, karate and archery will be offered.