Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday inaugurated Multidiscipline Sports Stadiums in the districts of Chümoukedima, Niuland, Tseminyu, Tuensang and Noklak in a program organised by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland at Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence, Sovima, Chümoukedima. Officials in the other districts joined the program in virtual mode.
In his address as Special Guest, CM Rio said that Nagaland is a late starter in sports because of many issues including the Naga political issue that restricted the youth and delayed development in all sectors. He mentioned that Nagaland was not affiliated to the Indian Olympic Association until 2004 and that the state participated in the National Games for the first time in 2007 where it won 11 medals.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Rio said that Nagaland needs dedicated centres to host national or even international events in the future. He pointed out that to train athletes, these facilities need to be developed in areas that are well connected by rail, air or road and with sufficient space for future development. He also maintained that the Multisports Complex in Dimapur will be completed soon despite the fund crunch.
Further, the Chief Minister emphasised sports as an industry with the potential to provide for athletes and others and disclosed the state government’s plans “to bring out a comprehensive sports policy by revamping the existing policy” in the next session of the Assembly. He also said that the state government will continue to strive for “youth empowerment”.
Nagaland winning eight medals in the recently concluded 37th National Games held in Goa should be an eye-opener for the youth, Rio said, adding that there are plenty of opportunities. While assuring his government’s backing, he asserted that there is no dearth of talent but talent must be supported with infrastructure, techniques, coaching, training and with commitment and dedication from the athletes.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the state will soon be hosting the North East Olympic Games and anticipated the athletes to win medals for the state.
CM Rio also acknowledged the hard work of the Youth Resource and Sports Department that has resulted in infrastructure such as the Multidiscipline Sports Stadiums and hoped for commitment so that Nagaland can grow in the field.
Earlier, the S Keoshu Yimkhiung, Advisor of DYRS, in a brief speech, thanked the Chief Minister for his far-sighted vision for the youth of the state and also the Government of India for the faith in GoN.
Special invitee Razouvotuo Chatsu, Chairman, Chümoukedima Village Council and President, Angami Public Organisation, declared that Chümoukedima “the land of opportunities” is emerging as an “epicentre of development and progress contrary to the misconception that the district is for a particular community.” Chatsu affirmed that the district belongs to the conglomerate of the diverse tribes who have made it their home.
Special invitee Abu Metha, Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association and also the Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India, stated that sports is one of the fastest growing industries and that India is growing as a sporting power. Every week Prime Minister Narendra Modi is congratulation someone or another for bringing glory to the country, Metha said, adding that sports is elevating the image and reputation of India.
Understanding these aspects under the vision and guidance of CM and Government of Nagaland, Nagaland Olympic Association is making serious efforts to change the narrative of sports story in the state, he said. Metha also asserted that the conduct of coaching camps, bringing national and international coaches, conduct of Nagaland Olympic Games, high performance centres, intensive coaching camps in grassroot level were beginning to make huge difference. We are laying the foundation stones for the future champions, he stated.
Metha further said that the Multidiscipline Sports Stadiums inaugurated in Chümoukedima, Niuland, Tseminyu, Tuensang and Noklak were not only state of the art and modern but also part of the grassroot development program.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
The Department of Youth Resources and Sports announced that a similar stadium will soon open in Shamator district, in addition to the plan for another ten stadiums across Nagaland. The Multidiscipline Sports Stadiums are pre-engineered building that are 35m by 20 m and host a variety of sports including badminton, table tennis, basketball and combat sports.
The program in Chümoukedima was chaired by Wezope Kenye, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, DYRS and Rev Dr Wati Aier, Convenor of Forum of Naga Reconciliation and founder of Oriental Theological College, said the prayer. The vote of thanks was delivered by Anthony Ngullie, NCS, Secretary, DYRS.
