Neiba Kronu and others during the opening ceremony of Inter Ward tournament at Pfutsero on October 20. (Morung Photo)
Kronu announces Astro turf football ground in Pfutsero
Our Correspondent
Pfütsero | October 20
The 5th edition of Inter- ward tournament commenced today at Pfutsero Sports Complex under the aegis of Pfutsero Town Sports Association (PTSA).
Being held under the theme “Positivity always wins,” 11 wards will compete for coveted champion titles in men’s football and women’s volleyball.
The tournament will continue till October 23.
‘We have to be smarter’
Gracing the opening ceremony, Nagaland Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Neiba Kronu said that for quite sometimes people could not come together for sports and other normal activities due to pandemic.
“By God’s grace, the situation has improved now and we have to be more active in every field,” Kronu said. For the past more than one year, he said “we have lost so many lives and the pandemic has greatly affected our economy also.”
Therefore, we have to recover what have been lost and to recover that we have to be smarter and we have to run faster, he said.
On post COVID, Kronu said the government is working hard to get back the losses.
In sports activities, he informed that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who is also president of Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) is really serious to promote sports and encourage the youngsters.
For quite some time, Kronu regretted that Nagaland state could not do well in the field of sports while neighboring state Manipur going ahead of the state. “But, If we struggle, then we can achieve our target,” he said. In this, he challenged the youth be serious and excel at the district, state, national and international level. The time has come to focus on professionalism, he said.
Kronu also announced that searching of site for Astro turf football ground in Pfutsero is on.
Meanwhile, he urged upon the youth to play with the spirit of sportsmanship.
Take sports as a career
Pfutsero Additional Deputy Commissioner, Japheth Woch urged the youth to take sports as a career. Stressing on the need to have a positive approach in life, he said “Let us not play for love of sports alone but let us focus on professionalism.” If we have positive attitude, we can do what others can do, he said.
Woch also called upon the people to maintain unity to progress together.
Also stating that “we are still in the midst of the pandemic,” Woch urged the players to maintain Covid appropriate behaviors throughout the tournament.
PTSA President, Kekhrozulo Ritse said that the male contingent will be vying for Late Neikhrope Rtiste Trophy in football while female contingent will vie for top honour in volleyball.
Ritse said that this tournament was supposed to be held in 2020 but due to pandemic it could not do the same. “However, by the grace of God we could conduct this event today with the support of prize sponsors, patrons, donors from various departments and well wishers,” he said and extended heartfelt gratitude to them.
Later, PTSA Sports Secretary Zuveta Khamo administered oath to the contingents. PTSA informed the contingents to strictly follow the SOP issued by the government.
Chakhesang Public Organization president Mikha Kenye, Phek District Sports Association President, Nezosa Tetseo, Chakhesang Mothers’ Association President, Zhonelu Tunyi, District Sports Office (DSO) Phek, Wutsutho and several other dignitaries also present at the opening ceremony.
Meanwhile, Kudecho Khamo, chairman Entrepreneurs Development Agency (EDA) Kohima will grace the closing ceremony on October 23.
