Thejangulie Mekhro selected to undergo training in Europe Basketball Academy, Barcelona
Morung Express News
Kohima | May 24
The 9th Open Basketball Tournament (OBT) 2017 organised by the Nagaland Basketball Association (NBA) and Suncity Club, Kohima began on May 24 with twenty teams from the state vying for the championship.
Gracing the inauguration as the Chief Guest was Khekaho Assumi, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources and Sports (YRS)
In his presidential address, Zhaleo Rio, Retd IAS, MLA and President of the NBA, updated the gathering on the history of NBA which was formed in 2001 registered under the Nagaland government where it received its affiliation with the Nagaland Olympic Association in 2011.
Since its inception, the Association has been conducting trainings and tournaments in its own limited capacity. Conveying the need to promote basketball in Nagaland, Rio also urged the YRS department to build more infrastructures and facilities for the young Naga boys and girls.
The lack of infrastructure, often lead to poor performances in sports, viewed Rio and appealed the government to construct more basketball courts. He also apprised the department on the need to renovate and improvise the multi stadium at IG complex.
Viewing that Naga players are performing well, Rio mentioned that today we have regional and zonal players. Rio also announced that Thejangulie Mekhro, a player from Mystic Ballers has been selected to undergo training in the Europe Basketball Academy in Barcelona. Mekhro along with another player from Hyderabad are the only two to be selected from India.
Highlighting the pre-requisites to be successful i.e., determination, discipline and perseverance, Parliamentary Secretary Khekaho Assumi encouraged the gathering that despite one’s background, if one is determined, they can change their circumstances. The success of a player is not just for the money, asserted Assumi, but also to bring pride to one’s community and progress to the society.
Focusing his speech on the youth, Assumi observed that despite the limitations of elders, the young Nagas today ‘are very forward looking’ and aspire ‘to live harmoniously’. Therefore he encouraged the young to uphold that aspiration and strengthen the unity among Nagas and foster better relationships among tribes.
Disconnect between the government and the people
Admitting that there is ‘disconnect’ between the people and the government, Assumi hoped to build the connection by encouraging the young crowd to approach him and his department. “Please come and tell us what has to be done,” urged Assumi who mentioned that Nagas often do not assert their rights despite the corruption in society.
Viewing that the government is for the people, and the money sent from the Centre are all public money, Assumi urged the youth especially the students to be pressure groups to ensure that the public money is implemented to the public.
“It’s all public money and not for politician and bureaucrats, but for the development of the youth and sportspersons,” said Assumi while also suggesting that opportunities should be given to the sports players and coaches to travel and watch international sports events.
Citing a recent Supreme Court order on the Lodha reforms which restrains politicians and bureaucrats to hold positions in sports associations in the country, Assumi hoped that such reforms are also implemented in the state. There have been many incidences where politicians and bureaucrats hold tenures in Associations for decades without any improvements, said Assumi and urged that such trends be stopped in Nagaland.
He assured that renovations at the multi stadium in IG Complex will start next week and also announced that the YRS will be setting up five basketball courts in Nagaland – two in Dimapur, two in Kohima and one in Mokokchung.
Meanwhile, Assumi clarified that the government will be setting up 100 playfields and not specifically football fields (and not as reported in the media). These fields will be set up to play other sports too.
Results:
S. Naga Trouncer 42-36 St Joseph College
Team Orca 56-27 Team Waxbill
Team Titans 69-49 Highland Dazzelers
May 25 fixtures
Team Doberman vs Tiyi Hoppers @ 10:00 am
Team Dorains vs Team Airhoggs @ 11:00am
Mission Giants vs Kohima Chiefs @ 12 noon
Team Mystic Ballers “B” vs Team Stingray @ 1:00 pm
