Participants join Olympic Day Run 2023 organised by Nagaland Olympic Association at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on June 24. (Photo Courtesy: NOA)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 24
Nagaland today joined Olympic Day Run 2023 through Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima under the theme “Let’s Move.”
The event witnessed an overwhelming participation of 434 enthusiastic individuals, showcasing their athletic prowess and commitment to sports.
The Olympic Day Run aimed to promote the Olympic values of friendship, excellence, and respect, while encouraging physical activity and healthy living among participants of all ages. The event proved to be a remarkable success, reinforcing the spirit of unity and sporting enthusiasm within the community. The incredible turnout reflects the growing enthusiasm and passion for sports in Nagaland, and the NOA was thrilled to witness such active participation from the community. The event brought together athletes, families, and sports enthusiasts, fostering a sense of camaraderie and celebration.
Altogether, 166 girls and 268 boys joined the event.
Olympic Day is a celebration of sport and health
Gracing the occasion as the special guest, Nagaland Youth Resources & Sports Advisor, S Keoshu Yimchuger said that Olympic Day is a celebration of sport and health, adding it make the world a better place. “When we do sports, it keeps our mind and body strong and healthy and inspires us to always give our best in whatever we do,” he said.
He said that Olympic Day Run is a day of opportunity for individuals and communities to come together and celebrate the power of sports which serves as a reminder of the positive impacts. The advisor said that sport represents physical and mental well being as well as fostering a sense of unity and mutual trust among all.
“We are immensely proud of the overwhelming response and participation in the Olympic Day Run,” said NOA secretary general Abu Metha while delivering Olympic Day message. “This event not only celebrates the Olympic values but also encourages individuals to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle,” he said. He assured that the NOA and state government under the chief minister Neiphiu Rio will put best efforts to push the sports industry forward.
We want Olympic champions to come from Nagaland
“We want Olympic champions to come from Nagaland,” Metha said. He said that the NOA and Nagaland Athletics Association will make every effort to bring the best and international coaches to train Naga youth. We will come up with modern academy that produces champions, he said.
Stating that, sport, today is no longer a hobby, recreation or time pass activity, he said, “It is a professional career. It is a multi-billion- dollar industry. We want Nagas to reach that level.”
Prizes was distributed by Advisor, S Keoshu Yimchuger, Youth & Resources and Sports Commissioner & Secretary, Wezope Kenye, Youth Resources & Sports Secretary, Anthony Ngully, Youth & Resources and Sports Director, Kethosituo Sekhose and Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (NSMDC) Chairman, Kuputo Shohe.
The programme was chaired by NOA Senior Vice President, T Meren Paul while vote of thanks was proposed by NOA Assistant Secretary General, Neivikuolie Khatsu.
Meanwhile, the NOA expressed its sincere appreciation to the individuals and organizations that supported and contributed to the success of the Olympic Day Run. Their collective efforts have played a vital role in promoting sports and fostering a vibrant sporting culture in Nagaland, it stated.
