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Arunachal Pradesh felicitated Nyeman Wangsu, Rupa Bayor and Marbom Boje in Itanagar on October 27 after the three athletes represented India at the 2026 Asian Games and Asian Para Games in Japan. The Sports Directorate, Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) and Paralympic Association of Arunachal (PAA) honoured the athletes, with each receiving a reported ₹1 lakh cash incentive from the associations.
Wangsu represented India in wushu at the 20th Asian Games, while Bayor competed in taekwondo. Boje represented the country in blind football at the 5th Asian Para Games. Their participation brought together Olympic-style and para-sport representation at a state felicitation programme, reflecting the breadth of disciplines in which athletes from Arunachal Pradesh are competing internationally.
The event was attended by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini, Sports Secretary Abu Tayeng, Sports Authority of Arunachal director Gumnya Karbak, AOA secretary-general Bamang Tago and representatives of state sports associations. Officials from the National Centre of Excellence at Chimpu, the PAA and students from Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy were also present, according to The Arunachal Times.
The ceremony recognised the athletes’ commitment to representing India on an international stage. It also placed para-sport representation alongside other elite sporting achievements, with Boje’s blind-football participation receiving recognition through the same state-level programme.
The AOA and PAA awarded ₹1 lakh to each of the three athletes in recognition of their dedication and commitment. Sports Secretary Abu Tayeng separately assured that the state government would provide an incentive of ₹20 lakh to each athlete. The two amounts are distinct, and the government incentive was reported as an assurance rather than a payment confirmed as already disbursed.
Minister Kento Jini said representing India at an international competition was a matter of pride and honour. He praised the athletes’ determination and said the state government would extend support for improved coaching facilities, sports infrastructure and incentives in line with the state’s sports policy.
Such commitments can be important for athletes preparing for future national and international competitions, where coaching access, travel, equipment and specialist training can affect development. The practical impact of the announcement will depend on implementation and the continued support available to athletes after the ceremony.
The felicitation also highlighted the role of state sports associations in identifying and supporting talent. AOA secretary-general Bamang Tago reiterated the association’s commitment to working with the Sports Directorate and recognised state associations to promote sport across Arunachal Pradesh.
Wangsu’s participation in wushu and Bayor’s in taekwondo show the contribution of individual combat-sport disciplines to the state’s international representation. Boje’s inclusion adds a para-sport dimension, underlining the importance of developing opportunities for athletes with disabilities as well as those in mainstream competitions.
For young athletes and students attending the programme, the ceremony offered examples of players from their state reaching a national team and competing abroad. Recognition and incentives can provide encouragement, but a sustainable pathway also requires regular competition, qualified coaching, accessible facilities and transparent selection systems.
The next measure will be how the announced support translates into continued training and preparation for future events. The state has signalled an intention to strengthen facilities and coaching, while the associations have reaffirmed their role in supporting athletes. Follow-up confirmation of the ₹20 lakh incentives, including their disbursement, would clarify how the commitment is being implemented.
The Itanagar ceremony marked an acknowledgement of three athletes whose international representation spanned wushu, taekwondo and blind football. It also put a spotlight on the state’s stated goal of supporting more athletes through institutional cooperation and investment in sporting development.
