Er Zale Neikha flagging off opening ceremonial programme of Rally of Nagaland – the Round-4 of Indian National Rally Championship 2022 in Kohima on January 12. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 12
Nagaland Youth Resources and Sports Advisor, Er Zale Neikha today flagged off the opening ceremonial programme of Rally of Nagaland–the Round-4 of Indian National Rally Championship (INRC) 2022 hosted by Nagaland Adventure Club (NAC) in partnership with Government of Nagaland.
The ceremonial flagging off programme was held at Hockey Ground, Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima.
Organised by Federation of Motor Sports Council of India (FMSCI) with Blueband Sports as the promoter, 80 drivers and co-drivers from across the country will rally in the event starting at 6:00 am on January 13.
The championship will be held in two routes of Kohima district covering a distance of 120 Kms - Jotsoma to Dzülekie NEC road on January 13 and Kohima bye-pass road to Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima on January 14.
For January 13, the starting point will be at Khrisanisa Seyie Memorial Park, located before reaching Khonoma on NEC road.
Mentionably, the Round 1 Indian National Rally Championship commenced from April 2022 at Chennai, then to Coimbatore and Bangalore for Round 2 and 3 respectively.
This championship is being organised for the second time in the North-East with Arunachal Pradesh hosted the first amongst the North-Eastern part of India.
Motor sports promotes safety measures for vehicles & drivers
Gracing the occasion, Er Neikha said, “Today, the motor sports is not just a sports but it promotes safety measures for the vehicles and drivers, ensures production of more durable vehicles and accessories, testing driver and vehicle ability in extreme and adverse road conditions, boosting the confidence of a driver, attract foreign tourism and increase tourism revenue and to create a sense of unity through teamwork.”
He maintained that it is a great opportunity for the young budding talents from the state to get a fully equipped rally car, fully equipped mechanic team and all complete sponsored drive into the National Championship. “I also am a big fan of motor rally and Formula 1 as I grew up watching World Rally Racing back in the day. The vibrant types of cars, varieties of conditions rally car drives on-track and off-track, the chemistry between the driver and the navigator, is always a fun championship to watch,” he said.
To the motor rally lovers from Nagaland, Er Neikha urged them to take the best advantage from the participation of the experienced drivers across the country.
He was hopeful that NAC would continue to promote motor sporting and put Nagaland on the motor sporting map of the country with the support of Federation of Motor Sports Club of India (FMSCI).
NAC Convener, Peter Rutsa delivered welcome address while Blueband Sports chief promoter Premnath Kasinath exhorted the gathering. NAC General Secretary, Bharat Prasad chaired the programme. MLA Keneizhakho Nakhro was also present at the programme.
