Sports Minister Honours National Medalists

Aizawl, January 2026: Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of State, Sports & Youth Services Department, hosted a felicitation ceremony at his office at MINECO to honour sportspersons from the state who have recently won medals at national-level competitions held across India.

During the programme, felicitation gifts were presented to Pu Lallianmawia, IPS (Retd.), who won the gold medal in the 25m Centre Fire Pistol (Senior Master Men Category) at the 34th All India G.V. Mavlankar Shooting Championship, held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, from October 31 to November 1 last year. Vanlalramdinpuii, who secured a silver medal in the 57 kg category at the National Sub-Junior Judo Championship held in Hyderabad from November 16–20, was also felicitated. In addition, Jeho Hlimnakulhpuingheta, who won bronze medals at the UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships held in Indore and Ranchi during November and December, was honoured.

Addressing the gathering, Sports Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar said, “Today, we are extremely proud to felicitate our athletes who have achieved success and brought home medals. We must continuously think about how we can progress further. For advancement, good coaches and proper infrastructure are important, but the most crucial factor is the individual athlete. Even if we may not be fully on par with other states in terms of facilities and resources, if we continue to learn and work hard, it is clear that we can succeed at national-level competitions.”

The Minister further stated that although the Mizoram Government has long-term plans, it is steadily promoting sports. He said, “India is moving forward with great determination to host the Olympic Games in 2036, and in line with that vision, Mizoram is also pursuing Vision 2036. If India succeeds in hosting the Olympics and no Mizo athlete represents the country, it would be a matter of concern. Therefore, we are continuously working towards the 2036 goal. Every effort must be made to ensure maximum participation of Mizo athletes, and we will also focus on selecting sports disciplines where there is a higher potential for winning medals.”

The felicitation programme was chaired by Henry C. Lalrawnkima, Secretary of the Mizoram State Sports Council. Family members of the medal-winning athletes, sports association leaders, and coaches were present at the event. In addition to the athletes, managers and coaches were also felicitated during the programme.