Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the 2nd edition of Nagaland Olympic & Paralympic Games 2022 at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima on 22 August 2022.
Speaking on the occasion, Rio said that the objective of organising the event is to bring unity and understanding among the Nagas through sports, and the inclusion of the paralympic games as part of this event was to give equal opportunities and privileges to People with Disabilities (PwDs).
The officials and participants coming from all the 16 districts showed unity and oneness among the Nagas through sports, he asserted. He also mentioned that collective effort is required in order to make this event successful.
Sports bring fame, honour and recognition and the countries clinching more medals at international level dominate the world, he said. He also added that winning more medals at the top level indicates advancement and maturity of the citizens. Nowadays, sports is neither mere entertainment nor a part-time activity but it is accorded the most important place in the world due to immense honour and recognition in it.
Rio pointed out that Nagaland is lagging behind others, especially the neighbouring states, in sports due to lack of proper sporting infrastructure. However, keeping this concern in mind, the government is trying its best to provide basic requirements in all the districts, Rio said.
Referring to the neighbouring states of Nagaland, Rio said the state is clinching medals at the national level but yet to win any medals at the international level though Nagas are second to none in terms of talent. Therefore, he urged and encouraged the sportspersons to work hard and focus on their dreams without quitting. “Sports not only inculcates a person to have a sense of discipline, obedient, punctuality, imbibe team spirit but also develops a person to remain fit and healthy irrespective of winning or losing, “Rio said.
The Chief Minister thanked all the officials and participants vying for the competitions from the districts and also encouraged them to keep up the ‘Sporting Spirit.’
The oath was administered by archer & Arjuna awardee, Chekrovolu Swuro.
