Soon, Nagaland to have ‘Special fund’ to promote sports

Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 6  

Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, said the state government would soon announce a “special fund” to promote games and sports in the state.

Addressing the closing programme of the State Games for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), organized by Special Olympics Nagaland (SON), here at Old Showuba Village Friday evening, the Chief Minister said in line with the state government’s decision to promote sports, the government is trying to bring special fund for sports.  

Rio said though India is the second most populous country in the world, but the country was yet to make its presence felt in the sports arena including the Olympic Games. He expressed optimism that the ‘Khelo India’ scheme with special focus on games and sports activities would change the present sporting scenario and boost the country’s performance in the international arena.  

Coming to Nagaland, Rio said Naga youths have the talent and potential to excel in games and sports and given proper coaching and guidance, they can bring laurels to the state and country.  

Dwelling on the motto of SON’s ‘Khelo India for PwDs’ state games ‘Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt’, the chief minister said sports is not always about winning but more importantly sports brings people together and sportspersons are the most disciplined and most liked personalities.  

Rio lauded SON and other NGOs for organizing and supporting such an event and said it is not easy to handle people with disabilities as they need special care and love.  

Rio also assured that the representation of SON including recognition of SON in Olympic associations and cash awards to PwDs from Nagaland who won medals in the national and international events, would be promptly looked into.  

He further suggested that in future, sporting events for PwDs should be conducted in special and conducive venues.  

Highlights of the closing ceremony included welcome address by SON president, Victor Murry, a brief highlight of SON by Aren, Area director SON, State Games 2018 report by camp director and coach, Jangtsu. The PwDs participants also presented special items.