The Nagaland Football Association (NFA) held its Annual General Body Meeting on December 12 at the Nagaland Olympics Association (NOA), Conference Hall.
Benei M. Lamthiu , Secretary, NFA in his welcome note highlighted the objective behind holding the annual general meeting which was to uplift football in the State and to look back on the achievements of the past.
In his exhortation, Kethosituo Sekhose, Director, Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland thanked NFA for acknowledging the efforts made by the Department of Youth Resources towards promotion of football in the State. He informed that almost 15 prefabricated multidisciplinary stadiums, Futsal Grounds-are coming up in the state including the stadium in Tuensang where Dr T Ao Trophy was played recently.
The Director urged the District Associations to take advantage of what the Government is providing particularly in terms of infrastructure. “For any sports to progress and for it to be not only a source of recreation but a source of income, we need to bring in professionalism in sports,” Sekhose highlighted.
Special Guest , Abu Metha, Advisor to Chief Minister, Nagaland, Secretary General, Nagaland Olympic Association & Chairman, IDAN during the meeting congratulated the Nagaland Football Association for being one of the most active, and best performing Association under Nagaland Olympic Association. Each and every member of NFA is a strong pillar of NOA , he maintained. Metha also added that NOA succeeds because of the contribution of the member associations. Thanking the present set of office bearers and also re-embarking the works of senior past members, Metha applauded their contributions.
He reiterated the objectives and aims of football history and how it has brought enthusiasts together, Metha. Viewing that Football is the most popular sport in Nagaland and around the World, Metha delved on the Football culture of Nagaland, and reminded, “Since Dr T Ao, we have not produced any of that caliber from the state in the field of Sports”.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Football cannot be played only as a hobby or for recreational purposes but we need to take it to professional level, Abu stated. Football has to succeed in Nagaland if Sports needs to rise in Nagaland, he added.
In his Presidential address, K. Neibou Sekhose , President, NFA gave a report on the achievements and proposals of NFA. Highlighting the aims and objectives of NFA, the President said that the concept of NFA is to provide a platform where they nurture talent, promote players, promote the game and work within the state to associate sports especially football as a viable career for the youth in Nagaland. He also highlighted the fact that the need for proper infrastructure, better facilities and better exposure is a requisite to grow the game in the state.
Earlier during the NFA General Meeting, Kiyeka S. Sumi Sr. Vice President, NFA chaired the meeting and vote of thanks was pronounced byl, Colo Mero, Vice President, NFA.