JICA and Nippon Sport Science University Host “Developing Decision Makers” Coaching Workshop in Mizoram

Aizawl, 24 December , 2025: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with Mizoram Sports Department of Government of Mizoram and Nippon Sport Science University (NSSU), conducted a four-day sports coaching workshop titled JICA-Mizoram “Transforming Sport for the Next Generation” Program “Developing Decision Makers” from December 15 to 18 , 2025, in Aizawl, Mizoram. The workshop was first of its kind in Mizoram and was inaugurated by Hon’ble Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Mizoram. The initiative aims to strengthen the state’s coaching ecosystem by equipping coaches with modern tools that prioritize athlete’s autonomy, reflective learning, and long-term development.

Led by Dr. ITO Masamitsu, Director of NSSU Coach Developer Academy and Professor at NSSU, the workshop brought together around 37 practicing coaches across various sports in Mizoram. The sessions underscored the importance of cultivating athletes as active decision-makers helping them take responsibility for training, performance, and personal growth. This approach aligns with global best practices that emphasize the role of quality coaching in imparting essential life skills to athletes such as discipline, resilience, communication, and integrity.

Designed with inputs from the Sports and Youth Services Department and the Mizoram State Sports council, the workshop covered foundational coaching skills including listening, questioning, observation, feedback techniques, coaching planning, and competition preparation. Coaches also explored context-based communication approaches—Tell, Sell, Ask, Delegate—to support both guidance and autonomy for athletes.

Through active learning methods such as group dialogue, scenario-based activities, and experiential exercises, the program demonstrated how reflective and athlete-centered coaching can significantly enhance performance and positively contribute to society as a whole.

The workshop saw strong participation and appreciative feedback from coaches and sports officials, many of whom shared that the sessions broadened their perspective on athlete-centric coaching and continuous learning.

Hon’ble Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Sports and Youth Services Department quote “The Coach Development Programme marks a significant step in shaping Mizoram’s sporting future. By investing in coaches as decision-makers, Sports & Youth Services Department and the Mizoram State Sports Council aim to build world-class mentors who will nurture world-class athletes. This collaboration between JICA, Nippon Sport Science University, Sports & Youth Services Department and the Mizoram State Sports Council reflect the shared vision of making Mizoram a sports hub and contributing to India’s Olympic aspirations."

Speaking about the workshop, Dr. ITO Masamitsu said, “This program is about more than new techniques it is about redefining how we support athletes to think, choose, and lead. By working closely with Mizoram’s coaches, we aim to build a coaching culture that empowers both present and future generations.”

Mr. WAKAMATSU Eiji, Senior Representative, JICA India Office, stated, “Quality coaching is essential for building strong sporting communities. JICA is proud to collaborate with NSSU and the Mizoram Sports Department to introduce modern methods that support both athletic and social development.”

The workshop highlighted JICA’s broader mission of strengthening human resource development and promoting India–Japan collaboration through sport. JICA expects that it will contribute to fostering a culture of continuous improvement across Mizoram’s sporting ecosystem.