Indian Army builds 100-metre stadium shed in Arunachal Pradesh, opens potential opportunities for public-private collaboration
The Dao Division of the Spear Corps has built a 100-metre stadium shed in Anini, handed over to the public in February 2026.
The Indian Army has gone beyond guarding the borders in Arunachal Pradesh. The Dao Division under the Spear Corps has constructed a 100-metre stadium shed at the Central Stadium in Anini. Viewed as one of the major initiatives towards strengthening sports infrastructure in the frontier region, the facility was handed over to the community on February 1, 2026. This is part of the broader effort of the Indian Army to build civil-military cooperation, nurture local talent, encourage youth, and promote sports in the state.
#DaoDivision under #SpearCorps constructed a 100-meter stadium shed at the Central Stadium at Anini, #ArunachalPradesh, strengthening sports infrastructure in the frontier region. The facility was handed over to the community by #SpearCorps on 01 February 2026 and was inaugurated… pic.twitter.com/6wtPxbKwrc
— SpearCorps.IndianArmy (@Spearcorps) February 2, 2026
Chief Minister, Shri Pema Khandu, inaugurated the facility symbolizing shared aspirations of the defense forces and the people of Arunachal Pradesh, in the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister, MLA Anini Shri Mopi Mihu, and senior ministers of the Arunachal Pradesh Government. The event coincided with the Reh festival of the Idu Mishmi tribe, celebrated as a profound symbol of rich culture, heritage, spiritual faith, and deep harmony with nature.
Army in Arunachal and North-East
Recently, under Operation Sadhbhavana, the Dao Division constructed an indoor badminton court at Meshai Village, Anjaw, enhancing sports infrastructure and community welfare. The facility was formally handed over to villagers on the 77th Republic Day. Operation Sadbhavana is an Indian Army initiative in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh focused on "Winning the Hearts and Minds" (WHAM) of local populations through welfare projects, aiming to foster trust, national integration, and development in conflict-affected areas by providing education, healthcare, and infrastructure support.
In 2024, the Army established a primary health centre (PHC), a badminton-cum-yoga hall, a futsal court, a volleyball court, and a gymnasium in Taksing village in Upper Subansiri district under Operation Sadbhavna. The facilities were built with an estimated cost of ₹1.6 crore. The projects, which were put in collaboration with Guwahati-based Olympic infratech has given a major boost to sports infrastructure for India’s border villages under the Vibrant Village programme.
PPP model can create a major impact
Annual maintenance contracts: The modular sheds that consist of roofing, flooring, and equipment upkeep require maintenance due to challenging climate and rugged altitude/terrain conditions. This is where the private firms can step in and provide technical and scientific sustainability of these facilities.
Training, coaching, and talent scouting: The stated goal of these facilities is nurturing local talent and youth engagement. These private academies can be backed by the army/state and can be set up for coaching camps and talent identification programs with a tie-up with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), state sports councils, and NGOs.