Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and others with medal winners. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 18
Nagaland government today honoured the strong Nagaland contingents who brought laurel and pride to the state by winning 79 medals at the recently concluded 2nd North East Olympic Games 2022. In recognition of the achievers, the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) has organized a felicitation programme in the presence of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima.
Nagaland bagged 79 medals (18 Gold, 17 Silver and 44 Bronze) at the North East Olympic Games 2022 held in Shillong, Meghalaya.
As committed earlier by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is also president of NOA, Gold medal winners from Nagaland have been awarded with Rs 50,000 each, Silver medalists- Rs 25,000 and bronze medalists-Rs 10,000. The government also recognized the performance of Niansai T and Neiketoulie Belho with Rs 75,000 each for ‘best athlete’ for female and male respectively.
All the coaches who brought Gold in their respective discipline have been awarded with Rs 25,000 each while coaches for Silver and Bronze medal received Rs 15,000 and Rs 8000 each respectively. All the managers representing the various associations have been recognized with Rs. 10,000 each as well as Rs 10,000 each for physio therapy. In recognition of Top 3 Association’s performance at 2nd North East Olympic Games 2022, Nagaland Athletics have been awarded with Rs 5 lakh, which brought 9 Gold, 4 Silver and 10 Bronze.
Nagaland Wrestling Association which fetched 3 Gold, 4 Silver and 3 Bronze has been awarded with Rs. 3 lakh. Nagaland Taekwondo Association received Rs 2 lakh for bringing 3 Gold, 1 Silver and 6 Bronze.
The programme was chaired by NOA Assistant Secretary General Neivikuolie Khatsu while welcome address was delivered by NOA Senior Vice President T Meren Paul. State chaplain Rev TW Yamyap Konyak invoked God’s blessing. NOA Secretary General Abu Metha also spoke at the programme. Distribution of awards was led by NOA treasurer Neiyalie Angami, and presented by Rio. Akhrieze, Bozio Nienu, Mengu Suokhrie and Kenei Chale enthralled the audience with special songs. Vote of thanks was proposed by NOA Joint Secretary Kuputo Shohe. The programme was compered by Nagaland Athletics Joint Secretary Neingulie Nakhro.
Proud moment for all of us: Rio
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in a jubilant mood said “It is a proud moment for all of us.” After 41 years of statehood, Nagaland got affiliation with Indian Olympic Association in 2004, he said adding that “even in the field of sports we are lacking behind but I have hope in our youth.”
“I have no doubt about the natural talent, the abilities of the Naga youth,” he said. Stating that Nagaland won 41 medals in 1st North East Olympic Games and in the 2nd edition, Nagaland doubled it with 79, he said “This shows to us that if we have the infrastructure, and give the support with the right platform to our youths, they will achieve and excel and bring glory to our state, to themselves and the youth will follow the right path.”
He also informed that NE states have trust in Nagaland by handing over the flag to Nagaland to host the next North East Olympic Games.
“So with all humility, we have accepted the flag and now it is for us to start, not to rest on our laurels. This should be a beginning to the higher level. Your victory, your winning is a big challenge for all of us, Rio said.
He said that Nagaland government is taking up all the infrastructures with the help of Khelo India and also investing from its own.
Huge improvement of sports discipline in Nagaland: Advisor Zale
In his congratulatory message, Nagaland Youth Resources & Sports Adviso,r Er Zale Neikha said that comparing the 1st and 2nd North-East Olympic medal tally, Nagaland has doubled its outcome which depicted the vast and huge improvement of sports discipline in the state.
Expressing happiness that the 3rd edition of North-East Olympic Games will be hosted by Nagaland, he said “As such it is my desire to see our young talented sportsperson give their best ability, in training yourselves and push beyond your limits, going above and beyond to yield better outcome and to be the best performing state of the North-East Region by achieving the highest number of medals.” Year after year, our Naga athletes are making us proud by exhibiting their achievements and improvements in the field of sports which would not have been possible without the support of our befitting coaches, parents and varied Associations & organisations, he said.
He said that Government having great enthusiasm for Naga athletes is giving high priority by providing with the best of facilities “so that they can flourish up to their maximum capacity.
Er Neikha challenged the Coaches, Parents, Associations and the Government to constantly support and work together for the betterment of the Naga athletes.
The sports associations and the Government should work hand-in-hand to tap the vast potential of Nagas in regards to varied sports discipline which we could excel not just in state but at National/international levels as well, he said.
