• 500 sportspersons from 80 villages join ASA golden Jubilee Meet
• Rio announces Rs. 50 lakh to boost sport activities
• Indian Postal Services to include ASA mascot as special cover
Chizokho Vero
Kohima | February 28
Around 500 sportspersons from 80 villages of four Angami regions joined the five day long golden jubilee tournament of Angami Sports Association (ASA) which kicked start here this morning at the Kohima Local Ground.
MP Lok Sabha Neiphiu Rio announced Rs. 50 lakh to ASA in the form of fixed deposit to boost sports activities in four Angami regions (Northern Angami Sports Association, Western Angami Sports Association, Southern Angami Sports Association and Chakhroma Sports Association).
Gracing the meet as the chief guest, he called upon the ASA to utilize the fund well and hoped that it would generate positive sports prospect under ASA.
He said sports provide equal right and opportunity to all as it is played under certain laid down rules and regulations and enables sportsperson to compete in absolute fairness.
Rio said that politics, war, race and even religious divide can be bridged through sports, bringing closeness and unity among the people.
Maintaining that among the many professions, sports forms the most important one, the most respectful and lucrative profession, he urged upon the youth to make the best use of their talents and also adopt a competitive spirit to excel.
He said sports transmit good health, physical fitness and healthy minds. Sports also develop a sense of competition, discipline and togetherness.
In this, he urged upon the sports persons to be committed and strive to earn medals at the national and international level.
Touching on Naga style wrestling, Rio stressed on the need to popularize and spread this indigenous game elsewhere. Through this, he said, the world will come to know well about the Nagas and their unique identity.
He expressed happiness over the indigenous games practiced by forefathers which are still being continued with great enthusiasm.
Earlier, Rio unveiled the ASA golden jubilee monolith.
ASA president Viliehu Nguzhii said the Indian Postal Services is going to include ASA golden jubilee mascot including Naga wrestling picture as special cover (envelop) as well as seal. The same will be launched on March 3.
The glittering opening ceremony featured marching in of tati group, Tsiila group, colour flag bearers, mascot bearers, ASA officials, village name plate bearers, region name plate bearers including contingents of SASA, CSA, WASA and NASA and former Naga wrestling champions.
The inaugural function was chaired by ASA general secretary Er. Zale Neikha. Alongwith ASA officials, Methaneilie Jiitakhrie presented ASA theme song.
Rev. Dr. Neikedozo Paphino, president NCRC Nagaland invoked God’s blessing while administration of oath was done by ASA athletic secretary Khriesamhalie Santsu.
The tournament, to go on till March 4, will be marked by football, volleyball, athletics, indoor games, bamboo stilt walk, marathon race and Naga wrestling.
ASA Golden Jubilee Day-One medal standing
Group Gold Silver Bronze Total
SASA 3 3 3 9
NASA 2 3 4 9
WASA 1 1 0 2
CSA 1 0 0 1
