The Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) on Thursday organised a special program for the players of the state contingent who will be representing Nagaland in the 2nd Northeast Olympic Games to be held in Shillong, Meghalaya.
The special programme was held at Hotel Vivor, Kohima with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is also the President of NOA, as the special guest.
In his brief address, the chief minister announced that a special incentive will be given to the medal winners of the Nagaland team at the forthcoming 2nd North East Olympic Games 2022 in Shillong.
He informed that the state government will be giving a cash award of Rs 50,000 for those winning gold, Rs 25,000 for silver and Rs 10,000 for bronze.
Rio also announced that the state government will be constructing a new indoor stadium as well as astro-turf in all the districts which he said is a part of the 2018 NDPP Nagaland Election manifesto.
He said Nagaland became the 16th state of India but the affiliation with the Indian Olympics was made possible only in 2004, after 41 years of attaining statehood. He commented that Nagaland should have been much ahead in all activities but the state has lacked behind.
Nagas have been so engaged in the Naga movement that it has consumed all our time and resources, he said.
Encouraging the contingent, he said going to the North East Olympic will be a launching pad for each one of them and an opportunity for them to grow from there. “We trust you. We believe in you and we want you to do well,” Rio added.
He said the NOA has been trying to make renewed efforts to promote sports to a higher level and assured that the government will continue to facilitate trainings and coaching and also establish an academy to promote various disciplines.
Rio also said the state government wants to create a platform-opportunity for the sportspersons to compete in all levels and further bid for the National Games and build sports infrastructures.
“Sport is not a part-time job. It is a full-time job. We are good and talented but don’t maintain consistency,” he said and called upon the sportspersons to work hard and excel.
The 2nd North East Olympic Games 2022 is slated to be held from 10 to 16 November.
Meanwhile, NOA Secretary General Abu Metha said the state is trying to write a new narrative on sports under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
He also stressed on the need to have a good eco system in sports.
NOA Secretary General Abu Metha said the state is trying to write a new narrative on sports.
Metha informed that 300 plus Nagaland contingents will be participating in the Northeast Olympic Games 2022 and the teams will also comprise of officials and coaches.
Nagaland will be participating in 17 disciplines at the upcoming games, he added.
The first group of participants will be moving on 5 November and the second group will be moving on 9 November.
A documentary video entitled Ground Zero was also screened at the programme.
