AIFF President with Er Zale Neikha and others during the launching of the FIFA Football for School project in Nagaland on December 4 at Kohima. (Morung Photo)
Assure all possible support for growth of football in Nagaland
Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 4
All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey today launched FIFA Football for Schools for Nagaland state at Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima in the presence of Nagaland’s Youth Resources & Sports Advisor Er Zale Neikha, officials of Nagaland Football Association (NFA), Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) and Youth Resources and Sports Department.
Speaking on the occasion, he wanted to see that through this FIFA Football for Schools, it produces quality football player in the state. He said that NFA and the state government need to have proper monitoring system to make it happen.
As AIFF president, Chaubey assured to provide all possible support and to ensure that the young boys and girls of Nagaland get proper scientific technical football training.
Also expressing happiness over the efforts of the Youth Resources & Sports Department and School Education, he maintained that Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has vision for the children of Nagaland to become successful sportspersons.
“I am here to support you to become football players,” he told the children gathered at the launching programme.
He also challenged them to dream to play football at the highest level. He was optimistic that they can become star football players and bring pride to the community.
Visiting Nagaland for the first time, Chaubey was accompanied by AIFF Treasurer Kipa Ajay. Later, he addressed the annual general meeting of NFA on the same day. He will grace the cultural events of Hornbill Festival on December 5 at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
Crucial step to boost football
Sharing greetings at the launching programme, Er Neikha thanked AIFF and NFA for taking a crucial step to boost football discipline to the young students in Nagaland.
He said that the presence of AIFF president and his colleague to Nagaland state “will surely boost the football discipline to greater heights.” He said that FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) is an ambitious programme which aims in contributing to the education, development and empowerment of millions of children.
The programme seeks to make football more accessible to both boys and girls around the world by incorporating football activities into the education system with valuable life skills and knowledge ensuring that children at school receive equal opportunities by ensuring that football is accessible to all learners, without discrimination.
“In every aspect of building a good life and career, school plays the most vital role to hone and nurture the young students by teaching them the proper ways to excel in their life. School holds the key to the future of a person’s life and so, school remains the most effective and efficient method where sports can be engaged for the young and budding,” he said.
He said that sport needs to be nurtured at ground level i.e. in school life, to become a produce sportspersons one day. He added that Nagaland is also one amongst many, which has huge potential in creating great footballers.
“Thus, with the launch of this program, I am certain that the schools of Nagaland will now have the advantage to promote sports to the young students,” he said.
India’s vision for football
Welcoming Chaubey’s visit to Nagaland, Wezope Kenye, Secretary to the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland said that this has “proved his immense love, care and concern for our people. “It is also our aspirations and with your blessings we will also give our best to nurture our sportspersons to achieve the highest sports level to make our country proud,” Kenye said.
Talking about India’s vision for football, he said “The Government of India is committed to promoting sports and creating a mass movement for football, especially in school children in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developing India as a sporting superpower as well as ensuring a Fit India.”
He said that FIFA in partnership with AIFF and the support of the Union government launched the Football for Schools project in the country, which is aimed at broad-basing the game across India.
“I am proud and happy for this partnership with the Government of India and the AIFF,” Kenye said.
Earlier, NFA president and AIFF Executive Committee member K Neibou Sekhose chaired the programme while vote of thanks was proposed by Wonthungo Tsopoe, Director, School Education, Nagaland.
The programme was followed by football exhibition and match, supervised by Gethemgo Sports International Director Dr Viposa Kiso.
Neidilhoutuo Sechü and Vizosenuo Nipu compered the proceedings of the programme.
