66th Northern Angami Sports Association Meet 2025 begins

Kohima

BY | Tuesday, 28 January, 2025

The 66th Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA) Meet 2025 began at IG Stadium, Kohima on January 28. This three-day event will take place at both IG Stadium and Meriema Village Ground.

In his speech, Chief Guest Neibalie Rio emphasized on the State Government’s commitment to promoting sports under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. He highlighted the significant investments in sports infrastructure, with approximately ₹2,127 crores spent in the 2023-24 fiscal year and ₹2,107 crores in 2024-25. Additionally, the government allocated ₹39 crores in 2023-24 and ₹2.13 crores in 2024-25 for promoting sports activities, including capacity building, grants to the Nagaland Olympic Association, and sponsoring athletes for national and international tournaments.

Rio also announced that the Chief Minister will inaugurate the Nagaland Super League at Chümoukedima later in the evening asserting that such activities will provide platform to elevate the state football players to compete and also be at par with the rest of the country. Despite the substantial investments, he noted that Nagaland is yet to consistently produce professional athletes excelling on national and international stages.

The Chief Guest urged parents to support and nurture their children’s sporting talents, emphasizing the importance of viewing sports as a viable profession rather than just a hobby. He highlighted the need for identifying young talents, providing quality training, and encouraging sponsorship for athletes’ development through sports academies. Rio also called for a cultural shift in Nagaland, where sports should be seen as a vital career alongside the aspirations for government jobs and politics.

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He also encouraged the Kohima community, being part of the State’s capital where they are  blessed with the best sports infrastructure, to take the lead in inspiring and supporting athletes to achieve success on national and international platforms.

NASA President Vizosielie Khoubve, in his presidential address, urged players to promote unity, harmony, and sportsmanship. He stated that the event served as a platform to identify talented athletes and encouraged participants to give their best. Northern Angami Peoples Organization (NAPO) President Keduo-o Zumu, in his address, encouraged players to have faith, recognize their talents, and aspire to compete at national and international levels. He urged them to play with confidence and always uphold reverence for the Lord.

A special performance was presented  by Neilakuonuo Metha. The program was chaired by Kelhouvakhrie Kire, with Medolenuo Ambrocia Loucii and Neigusalie Khruomo as comperes. The program was blessed with invocation by Rev. Neivilieo Zuyie and oath administration by Khriesaneilie Sote.

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