Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and others after unveiling 52nd anniversary celebration monolith of Meriema Village Youth Games & Sports meet 2021 at Meriema village on December 27. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Meriema | December 27
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) will be conducting Nagaland Mini Olympic by January 2022.
Rio said this while gracing the inaugural programme of 52nd anniversary celebration of Meriema Village Youth Games & Sports Meet 2021 at Meriema village under Kohima district.
Rio, who is also the president of NOA, called upon all the districts to prepare well and actively participate in this forthcoming mega event.
Nagaland Mini Olympic scheduled for this year (2021) could not be conducted due to COVID pandemic.
Rio informed that NOA will be fully functional in its six storey permanent office building along Raj Bhavan road, Kohima by January 2022.
Rio was optimistic that this would enable better coordination between the NOA and different sports association and also facilitate better management of the sports activities in the state.
He said that Nagaland is all set to host the South Asian Cross Country Championships by January 2022.
Athletes from the six to seven countries are expected to join the event.
Rio also recalled that the foundation stone for creation of Nagaland Police Sports Battalion has been already laid.
Through this, Rio said, many sports persons will get employment opportunity and also excel in the field of games and sports.
He said that Naga youth are doing well in the sports arena.
However, he regretted that they are to accomplish the desired brand and performance at the international/ Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
In this, Rio called upon the sports persons to stay focus and give their best to excel at the higher level.
Meanwhile, Rio unveiled the monolith of the 52nd anniversary celebration of Meriema Village Youth Games & Sports meet 2021.
He also inaugurated the newly constructed Meriema village playing field rostrum and gallery as well as Meriema Village Sanitary truck.
He maintained that such development has been possible because of the combined efforts of the various organizations and unity of the villagers.
Rio complimented Meriema village for its commendable performance and achievement over the last 52 years in the field of games and sports and encouraged them to continue to strive to grow further.
Earlier, the inaugural function was chaired by 52nd anniversary celebration organizing committee member Neidilhou Keditsu while Meriema head GB Neiyalie Miachieo delivered welcome address.
Meriema Village Youth Organization president Asa Shiiya delivered presidential address.
MVYO games & sports secretary Pekruse-u Whuorie administered oath to the participating teams while Meriema Village Council chairman Keduolhoulie Huozha proposed vote of thanks.
The meet will continue till December 31.
Roko Angami, president Nagaland Football Coaches Association and former international football player will be the guest of honour at the valedictory function.
