HT Bureau
NAMSAI, June 19: In a significant administrative development aimed at energizing the sporting landscape of Arunachal Pradesh, John Neelam and Bengia Yayang Tadar officially assumed their respective responsibilities as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Sports Authority of Arunachal (SAA) during a formal ceremony held at the SAA Headquarters in Chimpu.
Upon their arrival at the headquarters, the newly appointed office bearers were accorded a traditional and warm welcome by the Director and staff members of the Authority.
According to an official statement, the programme commenced with a brief introductory session, during which officers, officials, coaches, and instructors from various sporting disciplines introduced themselves, marking the beginning of a collaborative and vision-driven leadership approach.
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John Neelam, the new Chairman, brings to the post a wealth of experience and dedication, both as a sportsperson and an administrator.
A known face in the state’s football circuit, Neelam currently serves as the Vice President of the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) and as its Competition Director.
His role in advancing football in the region has also earned him a place in the Grassroots Development Committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), where he contributes to the formulation of national-level strategies to promote sports at the grassroots.
Beyond his administrative achievements, Neelam is also a seasoned athlete.
He has represented his school at the National School Table Tennis Championship and the state of Arunachal Pradesh twice in the National Football Championship.
A regular participant in the prestigious Tadar Tang Memorial Football Championship, Neelam has played for Lower Subansiri, Capital Complex, and Papum Pare districts, accumulating a total of seven appearances in the tournament.
Vice-Chairman Bengia Yayang Tadar, who also addressed the gathering, echoed Neelam’s sentiments in his commitment to fostering a vibrant sports ecosystem.
Both leaders laid out their vision for the Sports Authority, with a particular focus on discipline, punctuality, and the development of a professional and goal-oriented work environment.
They emphasized the pivotal role of every coach, official, and support staff member in building a sustainable sports culture across Arunachal Pradesh.
During their address, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman extended their sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, for entrusting them with these important leadership roles.
They assured that they would carry forward the government’s vision of sporting excellence with diligence, passion, and transparency.
The new leadership called upon the entire SAA team to work in close coordination, guided by the core values of integrity, accountability, teamwork, and innovation.
They also stressed the importance of transparent communication and the efficient execution of programmes and policies, highlighting that these elements are essential for achieving long-term success in sports development.
The meeting also served as a platform for the new leaders to familiarize themselves with the functioning and challenges of the Sports Authority.
The officers and staff present at the session extended their warm wishes and pledged their full cooperation to the Chairman and Vice-Chairman in realizing the state’s sporting goals.
With this new leadership in place, the Sports Authority of Arunachal is expected to intensify its efforts toward expanding sports infrastructure, promoting grassroots talent, and enhancing coaching standards.
The occasion marked a renewed sense of optimism among the sporting fraternity and is seen as a positive stride towards making Arunachal a strong contender in national and regional sports arenas.
