Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio addresses the closing ceremony of the 22nd NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2022 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on October 24.
Morung Express news
Kohima | October 24
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that the State is witnessing a revival in sports and the government is undertaking strong commitment to make fresh start towards sports and games.
The commitment included development plan especially new and modern infrastructure in various disciplines in different parts of the State including the new districts, he said, addressing the closing ceremony of the 22nd NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2022 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Despite various obstacles due to a combination of several factors for which the performances of the State have gone down in recent past, the Chief Minister opined that the government has taken "serious resolve to develop new and modern sports infrastructure in different parts of the State."
Placing on record the number of development that took place under his leadership, he mentioned upgradation of IG Stadium with astro-turf, floodlights and locker rooms and establishment of astro-turf facilities in the districts of Mokokchung, Peren, Mon, Tuensang and Chümoukedima.
He also highlighted indoor stadiums in Longleng, Wokha and Kohima; new indoor sports facilities in the districts of Tseminyu, Niuland, Noklak, Tuensang and Chümoukedima; establishment of Centre of Sporting Excellence in Chümoukedima district with facilities of Archery Academy, Shooting Sport Centre, Motorsports & Adventure Sports Centre and Futsal; upgradation of Kohima Badminton Stadium; establishment of new Cricket Ground at Chümoukedima district and establishment of Nagaland Olympic Association Headquarters.
To this end, Rio claimed that initiatives for development of sports and games are being undertaken from "the grassroots to the highest levels."
Further, the establishment of Nagaland Police Sports Battalion, Khelo India Centres in Nagaland for the disciplines of Archery, Wrestling, Boxing and Shooting Kohima, Dimapur, Phek and Peren among others, as well as conducting State Level Coaching Camp with national coaches in athletics for preparation of national and international events were initiatives that points towards sports development in the State.
Other milestones that the State government achieved was hosting the South Asian Cross-Country Championships and National Cross-Country Championships, 2nd Nagaland Olympic & Paralympic Games and intensive state level coaching camps with national and international coaches in 17 disciplines ahead of North-East Olympics, he added.
More initiatives in pipeline, claims Rio
While listing out the numerous ‘initiatives,’ the Chief Minister also claimed that more are in the pipeline, including setting up of Centres of Excellence & High-Performance Centres; State-of-the-Art Infrastructure; introduction of sports scholarships & reservations for meritorious sportspersons.
He also informed that the State government is preparing to host National Games in Nagaland in the day to come by developing a scientific approach to sports development and creation of a wholesome eco-system which would pave the way for grooming of champions at the international levels.
"That process will only be possible if we can perform with distinction in the playing arenas. I urge the sportspersons of the State to make renewed efforts towards achieving success and excellence," he said.
Asserting hope and confidence in the sportspersons of the state, Rio said that the teams, who are preparing in 17 disciplines for the forthcoming North East Olympic Games, will perform well in this meet and "thereby begin a new journey for sports in Nagaland."
Calls for close collaboration
Meanwhile, he called upon sports associations to rededicate themselves and come in close collaboration with the Nagaland Olympic Association, which he asserted, has taken significant steps towards streamlining the administration and management of sports, after establishment of a modern headquarters in Kohima.
"At present we are observing a revival of sports, especially football in Nagaland," Rio underscored substantiating that apart from organising a number of sports events including the Dr T Ao Trophy and the Nagaland Olympics, there are ongoing leagues in Peren and Mokokchung and the Chümoukedima football recently concluded.
"Our Under 17 team also won the Subroto Cup. These tournaments and leagues are the grooming grounds for tomorrow’s champions," CM remarked. He further added that his government is committed towards empowerment of the youth through sports and games.
"Sport is today a multi-billion-dollar industry that employs and gives gainful careers to millions of people across the globe. Our Naga youth must also get the opportunities of this sector and in doing so achieve excellence at the highest levels and contribute towards nation building," he added.
