Our Correspondent Kohima | January 11 The Western Angami Sports Association (WASA) games and athletics meet 2017 commenced today at WAPO ground, Sechü Zubza. Over 200 sportspersons from the villages under Western Angami region, comprising four groups, are taking part in the three-day event which will conclude on January 13. The inaugural function was graced by Zhaleo Rio, Member of Legislative Assembly, Government of Nagaland, as the chief guest. In his address, Zhaleo advised the sportspersons to not merely participate in games and sports, but urged them to take part with commitment having the determination to reach the top. “In our context, many sportspersons tend to have a ‘very casual approach’ to the annual games and sports activities/tournaments organized at the village or range level. It is time we should do away with this casual attitude,” he said making his observation known that many players only practice during sports event. “To achieve at the top level of competition, you need to be fit keep and training yourself all the time,” Zhaleo said mentioning that there is no substitute to hard work and dedication. Stating that aspiring sportspersons should start training from a very young age, he also underlined the need for guidance and counselling in order to identify and mould them. “We have to catch them (players) young. Here it is the responsibility of the youth leaders and sports organisations to identify talents at young age and mould them to the fullest. There should not be any space for lackadaisical attitude or approach,” he added. Although conceding that the sports infrastructure in the State is poor, he observed that our inability to achieve at higher level could be because of our half-hearted approach in doing things. He also underscored the need for preserving our rich tradition and culture, which he said is our identity. “We are in the 21st century. No doubt we have to import the western culture which comes to our advantage, but that does not mean we have to ignore our culture and traditions,” he said cautioning that we will be left unrecognized before the world if we lose our identity. The inaugural function, chaired by WASA General Secretary Zhasa Sirie, commenced with invocation pronounced by Khriengulie Kuotsu, Pastor, Sechü Zubza Baptist Church. WASA President Kobou Mezhünyü delivered the welcome address, while a special song was presented by the youth department of Sechü Zubza Catholic Church. WASA Games & Athletics Secretary, Khriesakuolie Khawakhrie administered oath to players. The teams will be competing in athletic events and games including football, volleyball, sepaktakraw, badminton and table tennis. The selected players will represent WASA at the forthcoming Angami Sports Association meet to be held tentatively in the month of February. Meanwhile, it has been announced that the WASA wrestling meet is tentatively scheduled on January 25, 2017 at Kohima Local Ground. The closing function, on January 13, would be graced by Lhouphrevilie Rino, President, Western Angami Public Organisation, as the guest of honour.
