Aizawl, March 6 (IANS) The central government is giving special attention to boosting sports in northeast India, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi said here Saturday.

'There is huge sports potentiality in Mizoram and other northeastern states. The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government is making all-out efforts to tap these talents,' Gandhi said in her address after laying the foundation stone of the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium at Mualpui, on the outskirts of Mizoram capital Aizawl.

She said: 'If we develop the talents of sportspersons in the northeast, India's performance in the national and international meets would be further improved.'

The stadium, the first full-fledged sports arena in the border state, is to be constructed inside the headquarters complex of the third battalion of the Mizoram Armed Police (MAP).

The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) is constructing the 20,000-seat stadium. The 12th Finance Commission had granted Rs.250 million for the Rs.1.32-billion project.

Sonia said the central government would extend all help to implement the Mizoram government's flagship programme - the New Land Use Policy (NULP).

The Congress president added that as per the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission, Mizoram would get Rs.8,835 crore for the next five years.

Addressing the inaugural function, Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said: 'If Mizoram gets all-out support from the centre, we would produce world class players.'

'With the laying of the foundation of the sports stadium, one of the visions of late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi for the land-locked state has been fulfilled,' he said.

The chief minister thanked the UPA chairperson for her support to the NLUP.

'The NLUP would be implemented for coordinated, balanced and inclusive development of farmers and poor people. It would help in economic empowerment of all sections of people,' he said.

'The NLUP would also help in afforestation and protect the environment.

'The Mizoram government has taken a series of steps for women empowerment and also supports the women's reservation bill,' he added.

'The Congress, particularly Rajivji, had played a great role in bringing back peace to Mizoram, shattered by two decades of militant violence,' the chief minister said.

'We do not want to don the robe of a beggar with a begging bowl for all time to come. We want to be self-reliant as quickly as possible. But there are countless hurdles on our way forward,' Lal Thanhawla stated.