The Indoor Sports Hall Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony was held today at Police Reserve, DEF Ground Wokha. The foundation stone was laid by Ajit Kumar Ranjan, IAS Deputy Commissioner & Chairman, District Sports Council, Wokha in the presence of Aotula T. Imchen, IPS Superindent of Police, Wokha.
Ajit Kumar Ranjan, IAS Deputy Commissioner & Chairman, District Sports Council, Wokha, in his address, praised the District Sports Officer K Libemo Jami for highlighting the pressing need for improved sporting facilities in Wokha. He highlighted the identified challenges, particularly the insufficient space for essential amenities such as table tennis setups, stating, “Considering this issue, we felt compelled to devise a strategy to enhance the development of sports facilities”.
Exploring various opportunities and funding sources to leverage sports facilities, Ranjan noted the absence of proper infrastructure in Wokha, apart from the local ground. He noted that after finding about the fund, they approached the Ministry officials for guidance on proceeding and that the genuine requirement needs of Wokha District had resonated within the Ministry, resulting in successfully convincing the Ministry to support the project. He then expressed his gratitude to both the Ministry and the State Government for their support. He also acknowledged there is still a long way ahead to ensure the proper implementation and creation of adequate infrastructure.
Ranjan emphasized the key aspects of the indoor sports stadium project, detailing its facilities such as two table tennis halls, one badminton hall, and two squash courts. He mentioned that squash will be introduced for the first time, noting the talent he has observed among the people of Nagaland in racket-based games like badminton and table tennis. He expressed confidence that introducing squash will uncover new talent and bring recognition to the state.
Speaking about the project, he stated that this project is unique because it is a small-scale project approved by the Ministry with a budget of 75 lakh. He emphasized that if implemented successfully, it could serve as a model for similar stadiums, setting an example for the state and the country.
In her short speech, Aotula T. Imchen, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Wokha described the project as a dream come true.
She credited the outgoing Deputy Commissioner of Wokha for his dynamic leadership in swiftly materializing the initiative. She noted that despite being situated on police land, the stadium will benefit the youth from all corners of the district.
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Acknowledging the crucial support received, she extended her gratitude to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports S Kizo Yimchunger, and officials from the Directorate of Youth Resource. She also thanked DGP Rupin Sharma for his consistent support in utilizing police reserve land for this developmental project.
She expressed optimism that over the next five to ten years, Wokha District and the Police Department will cultivate numerous talents in the sporting arena.
Additionally, she highlighted the scope for Naga talent and available resources, but noted challenges, particularly regarding land acquisition amd commended the District Sports Officer for his persistence in securing support from the Police Department for land allocation. Expressing satisfaction with the progress made, she anticipated a swift completion of the project now that administrative approvals are in place. Later, the Foundation Stone was inaugurated by Ajit Kumar Ranjan, IAS Deputy Commissioner Wokha.
The program was chaired and welcome address by K. Libemo Jami, District Youth Resource Officer Wokha, Invocation by Zuben N. Ngullie, Pastor Police Baptist Church, Wokha.
