DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) is all set to host the third edition of the North East Games (NEG), scheduled to commence on March 18 and conclude on March 23. This event is being organised in collaboration with the North East Sports Association (NESA) and the department of Youth Resources and Sports.
While interacting with media persons after the inauguration of 'Apni Pathshala' at Government High School Sovima, Chümoukdema, on March 9, the general secretary of NOA, Abu Metha, expressed that the upcoming event may perhaps be the biggest for Nagaland as far as sports is concerned and hoped participation from all Northeastern states, adding that most of the preparation has been well underway.
Metha mentioned that the recently concluded Nagaland Olympic Games served as a valuable preparation for the upcoming event and that all sports associations and the NOA team are tirelessly working around the clock.
He also expressed gratitude to the government of Nagaland and the NESA for their support and accommodating the challenges encountered in the preparations.
He stated that this being the first time Nagaland is hosting an interstate multidisciplinary sports event, there are challenges and limitations. However, he assured that their team and the state government are working round the clock to ensure a successful and memorable event.
He informed that typically these types of games are held in a dedicated venue with extensive gaming infrastructure and facilities capable of accommodating dozens of sports disciplines. However, the state lacks such facilities, necessitating the segregation of venues for various disciplines into three districts.
The main events will be held at the Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence in Sovima, Chümoukedima district and the athletic events will be held in Kohima, as it is the only place where there is a synthetic track. The lawn tennis event will be held in the tennis complex at Kuda village, Dimapur district.
Two disciplines, football and archery, will take place in the Chümoukedima Police Complex.
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