Neibalie Rio addressing opening ceremony of NASA 66th meet 2025 on January 28.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 28
The 66th Meet 2025 of the Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA) got underway with Neibalie Rio, Special Officer to Chief Minister of Nagaland as the chief guest at Indira Gandhi Stadium on January 28.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Rio emphasised the need to change perceptions about sports in the state. He urged the stakeholders to view it as a viable career rather than just a hobby or competitive pastime.
In a bid to improve sports infrastructure, Rio said the state government has spent approximately Rs 234 crore in a span of less than two financial years. Rio revealed that Rs 127 crore was allocated to sports infrastructure in 2023-24, while Rs 107 crore has so far been spent during the financial year 2024-25.
To promote sports, activities such as capacity-building programmes for sportspersons, grant-in-aid to the Nagaland Olympic Association, and sponsorships to athletes competing at national and international tournaments, Rs 39 crore was spent in 2023-24, and Rs 13 crore in 2024-25.
Acknowledging that Nagaland has long regarded politics and government jobs as the most sought-after professions, he urged the need to change this mindset. He opined that the younger generation must be inspired to pursue sports with dedication and seriousness to develop a culture that embraces sports as a vital part of life.
Northern Angami Public Organization (NAPO) President, Keduo-o Zumu delivered a brief message during the event. NASA President, Vizosielie Khoubve expressed hope that the ongoing 3-day sports meet of the Northern Angami area would serve as a stepping stone for athletes to elevate their performance and achieve greater heights.
Over 300 athletes from 29 villages, grouped into four teams namely NASA-A, NASA-B, Northern Angami Youth and Sports Association (NAYSA)-C, and NASA-D are participating at the meet.
The inaugural ceremony was chaired by Kelhouvakhrie Kire Treasurer, NASA while NASA Athletics Secretary Khriesaneilie Sote administered oath to the participating teams.
Meanwhile, the mid-event ceremony on January 29 will take place at Meriema village ground at 2 PM with Kuolie Mere, Deputy Director, IPR, Nagaland House, New Delhi as the special guest.
The closing ceremony will be held on January 30 at 2 PM with Roko Angami, OSD (Sports), Youth Resources & Sports as the guest of honour.
