RSA 1st Mini Olympic 2024 underway
Our Correspondent
Tseminyu | January 11
Advisor to Chief Minister of Nagaland and Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) chairman Abu Metha today said that the Government of Nagaland under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is formulating a new sports policy.
“We are emphasizing on sports infrastructure and we are going to give special training for sports persons to represent Nagaland,” Metha said while addressing the opening ceremony of 1st Mini Olympic 2024 of Rengma Sports Association at Tseminyu. Stating that the government is pursuing sport in serious manner, he said that coaching camps, foreign coaches and exposures are being organized “so that Naga would do well.”
Assuring to look into the desire of the RSA for construction of gallery at RSA Ground, Tseminyu, he also stated we need to develop sports facilities for sports persons to use “so that they become champions tomorrow.”
Stressing on the need to re-strategize the vision of the Sports Associations in the state, Metha said “We have to focus our resources on training and development of the sports ecosystem.” Sports persons need training, coaches, physiotherapy, exposure, coaching camps and tournaments. If we focus on that line, then champions will be produced, he said.
He also called upon the sports associations and sports administrators to re-focus and recast new aspiration, new vision and new strategy “so that we focus on developing sports persons.” He also felt that parents, educational institutions and university understand that sport today is a career.
Sport bring people together
Metha said that sport is a powerful tool that brings people together. “Today all 7 Ranges under Tseminyu district have come to play sports under the spirit of unity and oneness to exemplify the ambition and aspiration of the Rengma people,” he said.
He said that the International Olympic movement and the Olympic Games bring more countries under one banner than any other activities. “You must realize that apart from sports persons, you are also an ambassador of unity and oneness through your talent and hard work, you are unifying your people,” he said. Today, he said, young people of Nagaland, the younger generation are braver and we have more courage and “we want to take more challenging things.”
Today, sport is no longer a recreation, hobby or time pass. Games and sports is today a professional career, he said adding that through sports and games, people are getting employment, becoming millionaire and international celebrity.
Nagaland to host NE Olympic games
Metha, who is also the Vice President of Athletics Federation of India, said that Nagaland is going to host North East Olympic Games by March- April. “We want sports persons from interior Nagaland and from undeveloped areas to rise and make Nagaland proud,” he said.
Metha, also General Secretary of Nagaland Olympic Association said that the Association will make all efforts and continue to promote sports. He also stated that the government is looking for developing more sports infrastructure in Tseminyu district. Metha said that the government is also looking towards establishment of Astro Turf football ground at Tseminyu.
Later, he visited multi disciplinary indoor stadium at Tseminyu and called for making the best use of the facility.
Rengma community ready for higher games
Already in the short period, he said, the Rengma community have shown that they are ready for higher games and lauded them to reaching the football finals in the last Nagaland Olympic Games.
“Today, the Rengma community and your sports persons are contributing towards Nagaland in its quest for greater glory,” he said while making special mention to Kitenlo K Thono, the only Gold medalist from Nagaland in the last National Games.
You have sounded to entire Nagaland that you are there, you are ready and you are capable to contribute and also to lead, he said.
Earlier, RSA president GK Rengma delivered welcome address while Finance Committee convenor Er Abija Khing proposed vote of thanks.
Altogether, 400 sportspersons from seven ranges Kasha Daho, Kithagha, Tseminyi Tsipwen Kecho Logwa, Kandi, Tesophenyu Group, Tsogin Range and Phenshunyu Lowjwu Sports Associations are taking part in this mini Olympic and it will continue till January 20.
