Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 16
Kohima district finished at the top of the medal tally and also crowed the overall champion of the 1st Nagaland Olympics organised by the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA).
Kohima topped the medal chart winning 96 overall (28 gold, 26 silver and 42 bronze) followed by Dimapur with a haul of 70 (27 gold, 24 silver and 19 bronze). Phek finished a close third with 67 (23 gold, 21 silver and 23 bronze).
Chief Minister TR Zeliang declared the 4-day event closed at the closing ceremony held at the DDSC Stadium, Dimapur. The CM in his address said that the first ever state-wide amateur multi-sports event has provided the right avenue to the state’s sportspersons to display talent in the true spirit of the Olympics.
According to him, the NOA was not able to organise any sporting competition “befitting the stature of the organization” since its inception. The risk of “de-recognition” by the parent body looming, “the Government had to come to its rescue,” he said. While informing that Rs. 3.5cr was sanctioned “to enable the NOA to organize this event and avoid de-recognition,” he said that the NOA did a good job of organising an event of this magnitude with the given amount.
Citing the Indian football team that participated in FIFA U17 Word Cup 2017 of which 8 players were from Manipur, he said that Nagaland’s youth if exploited properly can perform too. He further called for evaluation of the many different sports events organised throughout the year in the state “so that we can make use of all these events to promote sports in the State.” He also paid tribute to the Dr. T. Ao, who captained the Indian football team in the 1948 London Olympics and Chekrovolu Swuro, who represented India in archery at the 2012 London Olympics.
Dimapur edges Phek to win football title
Dimapur edged Phek 2-1 to take the football title in the 1st Nagaland Olympics. The final played at the NPTS ground, Chumukedima saw Dimapur dominating the first half. Phek encountered a major setback 16 minutes into the game conceding a penalty for a foul in the goal area. Dimapur’s Nyithung converted the opportunity to take a 1-0 lead. Aloumai made it 2-0 just before the match went to break.
Phek came back strong after the break with Senowe Khutso scoring a spectacular goal keeping hopes alive. Khutso almost scored in the last minute but his effort was saved by Dimapur goalie Ekiho.
MLA Dr. Nicky Kire, president of the Kohima District Veteran Football Association and Lok Sabha Member Neiphiu Rio, who is also the President of the Nagaland Olympics Association, attended the game.
