Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, SAAF president Lalit K. Bhanot, AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo and others during inaugural session of AFI AGM in Kohima on April 14. (Morung Photo)
Nagaland is making steady progress in sports: CM Rio
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 14
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio today said that Nagaland is making steady progress in sports despite infrastructural challenges. Addressing the inaugural session of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Athletics Federation of India (AFI) here at Hotel Vivor and hosted by Nagaland Athletics Association (NAA), Dr. Rio stated that the Nagaland Olympic Association got affiliated with Indian Olympic Association (IOA) after 41 years of statehood.
After affiliation with the Indian Olympic Association, we have made huge progress, he said, adding that the state is also trying its best to promote sports. “Our youth are vibrant, talented and committed. But the raw talent is not enough. We have to be coached, disciplined, and motivated,” he said.
Dr Rio, who is also president of NOA, emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, professional coaching, and greater exposure for athletes. He also called for support through cooperation and initiatives to boost sports facilities in the State. He was optimistic that the outcomes of the AGM will positively influence the future of India’s sports.
The Chief Minister informed that delegates on a brief account of Naga history, noting the resilience and unique traditions of the Naga people. He spoke about the colonial period, the introduction of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873, and the continued protection of Naga customary practices under Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.
Dr Rio also touched upon the political history of Nagaland, stating that the State continues to work towards resolving long-standing issues through dialogue, while maintaining peace and unity among Naga communities across regions.
‘Nagaland has strong potential to produce talented athletes’
South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) President Lalit K Bhanot said that that Nagaland has strong potential to produce talented athletes in the future.
Assuring full cooperation, he said that the Federation is ready to extend technical support and assistance to Nagaland for developing athletics infrastructure and training programmes.
He encouraged the State Government to establish athletics academies, adding that athletes from Nagaland have strong potential, particularly in endurance-based events such as middle and long-distance running and race walking.
He expressed confidence that under the leadership of the State Government, athletics in Nagaland would grow steadily and produce promising sportspersons in the coming years.
He informed that India is currently running one of the largest grassroots athletics programmes through district-level competitions, covering over 650 districts across the country. Talented athletes are identified through these competitions and provided further training and support.
Dr Bhanot stated that several national-level competitions are being conducted across the country, including in the Northeast, to provide better exposure and reduce travel constraints for athletes from the region.
Meanwhile, he thanked the state government for hosting the AGM in Kohima and commended Dr. Rio for his continued support towards sports development.
‘Sports play a crucial role in nation-building’
NAA president Abu Metha said that the AGM of a national sports federation, held for the first time in Nagaland, hold a significant in promoting national unity, integration, and inclusiveness through sports.
Metha, who is also vice president of AFI said that hosting such meetings across different parts of the country over the years helps generate greater interest in athletics and integrates remote regions into the national sports mainstream. He emphasized that sports play a crucial role in nation-building by harnessing the talent and potential of youth.
Over the two days, Metha informed that AGM will deliberate on key strategies and policy decisions aimed at strengthening Indian athletics, improving infrastructure, nurturing talent from remote regions, and preparing athletes for upcoming international competitions. He maintained that AFI has emerged as one of the top-performing sports federations in Asia and globally. He said Indian athletes have been consistently performing well at international events, including the Olympic Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
He thanked Lalit K Bhanot, for his leadership and vision in bringing the AGM to Kohima. Metha also acknowledged the continued support and guidance of Dr. Rio, stating that his encouragement has enabled the State to take bold steps in promoting sports and youth development. (With inputs from DIPR)
