CM Rio kicks off Karnataka tour with focus on sports, culture and industry

Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio began a two-day official visit to Vijayanagar, Karnataka, on Friday, aiming to foster long-term partnerships in sports, industrial development, and cultural engagement. The visit is hosted by the JSW Group and includes collaborative engagements with key institutions such as the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS).
Upon his arrival at Jindal Vijayanagar Airport, Dr. Rio and his delegation were accorded a warm welcome by top officials from JSW and IIS. The visiting team includes prominent figures from Nagaland, including advisor to the chief minister Abu Metha; PRO Rusemtong Longkumer; NCA president Kechangulie Rio; NSL chairman and MLA Benei M Lamthiu; NFA president Neibou Sekhose; DYRS Director Kethosituo Sekhose; NSMDC chairman Kuputo Shohe; and OSD Security V. Hibo.
The itinerary for the delegation includes key meetings with JSW leadership, observation of athlete development programmes at IIS, and discussions on wide-ranging areas such as sports infrastructure, talent development, and industrial linkages.
The team is also expected to visit key JSW facilities, including the culturally vibrant Kaladham and the expansive Vijayanagar Steel Plant.
A significant highlight of the trip will be the interaction with the Nagaland Super League (NSL) youth football team, currently undergoing high-performance training at IIS. The team is set to play friendly fixtures, including a highly anticipated match against Bengaluru FC on June 28.
The visit is seen as a step forward in building high-impact, cross-sectoral alliances between Nagaland and JSW Group.