A view of the public ground in Kiphire town which is also used as a football ground. Kiphire district is facing a significant setback in nurturing local sporting talents due to the lack of adequate sports infrastructure. (Morung Photo)
P Achumse Yingbithongru
Kiphire | March 10
Kiphire district is facing a significant setback in nurturing local sporting talents due to the lack of adequate sports infrastructure.
Sports enthusiasts, coaches and sporting clubs in the district have voiced concern and frustration that despite boasting a pool of promising athletes, the absence of proper facilities is hindering their potential to achieve excellence in various sports disciplines.
This was evident from the performance of the Kiphire district contingent in the recently held Nagaland Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024, where the district finished 13th out of 16 in the medal tally, clinching 1 gold, three silver and two bronze.
Absence of essential infrastructure such as playgrounds, sports complexes and training facilities is impeding the progress of budding athletes while their peers from other districts are making tremendous progress, Lipise Jinger, a badminton player from Kiphire district told The Morung Express.
“Youths here have immense passion for sports but with limited access to proper training grounds and equipment, aspiring sports enthusiasts are struggling to hone their skills and compete at higher levels," Jinger said. He pointed out that there is not even a single indoor stadium in the district.
“We want our children to succeed, but without the right facilities, it feels like we are fighting a losing battle,” he added.
Lumpiba, a football coach lamented that it was a big challenge to help budding athletes reach their potential without proper facilities in place.
Similarly, Isac Tsalumpi, former President of Kiphire Area Students Union (KASU) noted, "We have many talented sportsmen and women in our district but due to non-availability any facilities, youths are unable to hone their talents and showcase it."
He claimed that the side effects of the lack of sports infrastructure had led the young generation to take refuge in drugs and alcohol, which he apprehended was increasing in an alarming rate.
Throngdiba, a former footballer and also former President of the KASU emphasised that investing in sports infrastructure is not only about buildings and fields. According to him, it is an investment in the community by providing budding athletes with the facilities they need, so that they can unlock their full potential and bring pride to our town. "We need concrete action to address this issue," he maintianed.
Leose Sangtam, a local football club manager noted, “The absence of proper sports infrastructure is not just inconvenience; it’s a barrier to success as young talents are unable to access quality training facilities, hindering their skill development and limiting their opportunities to compete at higher levels.”
He said that the lack of both outdoor and indoor facilities not only hampers the development of grassroots talent but also discourages young athletes from pursuing their dreams.
According to Taekwondo Association Kiphire district coach, Yangkhong, the citizens need to rally for development of sports infrastructure and improving the existing facilities- whether through fundraising efforts, community initiatives, or lobbying the government “as we all have a role to play in supporting our local talent.”
Putting the entire picture into context, Kiphire District Football coach, Likhumpi said, “Our town is brimming with talent waiting to be unleashed. It’s time for us to come together and ensure that lack of sports infrastructure no longer stands in the way of our athlete’s dreams.”
