PDA government committed to promoting sports in Nagaland — Patton

Our Correspondent
Thenyizumi, March 23 (EMN): Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton on Tuesday said that the present People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) headed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was committed to promote games and sports, which will benefit talented youngsters under the banner of ‘Khelo India.’

He was addressing the inaugural session of the 36th meet of Phek District Sports Association (PDSA) cum 1st Naga-style category wrestling as special guest that is underway at Thenyizumi village under Phek district hosted by the Chokri Area Games and Sports Association (CAGSA).

He stated that government of the day was encouraging the talented sportspersons of the state to put Nagaland on the sports map of India and even on international levels.

The deputy chief minister said Nagas were ‘naturally talented and second to none’ in the field of games and sports, ‘if only we try’.

In this regard, he asserted that Nagas have a proud history of representing the country even in the international arena citing the archer Chekrovolu Swüro and footballer Dr. Talimeren Ao. He further urged the younger generations to emulate and draw inspiration from these sporting legends from the state.

According to Patton, sports was a lucrative profession and the present PDA government was committed to work in all possible ways for promoting the same in the state and he urged the youths to nurture their talents and exhibit sportsmanship.

He said Naga society needs unity irrespective of the geographical and linguistic differences and come together and speak in one united voice as a family, adding that the Chakhesang community could lead the way and show the rest of the Nagas about unity and common brotherhood at ‘such trying times like ours’.

Further, the deputy CM also told the citizens to think wisely, vote and cohesively work with the government for ensuring development in all fronts even in the next term.

Meanwhile, minister For Planning and Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu who graced the occasion as the guest of honour, said that in ‘today’s world, sportspersons are considered to be the most respected person the world’.

He asserted that the sportsperson must be a ‘quality person’ that performs better than other players from the district, state, national and international level to excel.’ In this regard he urged the participants of PDSA meet to compete in the true spirit of sportsmanship, to excel and not part take for the sake of the tournament.

Kronu stayed that ‘good roads connecting inter-districts Chakhabama-Chozuba to Zunheboto and Pfutsero to Phek and international connectivity road — Kohima to Jesami road — are passing through the district of Phek. He urged the citizens not to obstruct the development but give full support and cooperate with the government for the benefit of the people.

Meanwhile, Y Patton announced to earmarked INR 15 lakh for the maintenance of road in Thenyizumi village and Kronu also announced to donate INR 10 lakh for the construction of mini-gallery at the new local ground of Thenyizumi village.

A new local ground of Thenyizumi village ‘Kronyi Kapu Memorial ground’ constructed by Thenyizumi Village Council was also inaugurated by Patton in the presence of Neiba Kronu and Advisor SCERT, Village Guards (VG) Toshi Wuntung; Advisor, CAWD and Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Kazheto Kinimi and Advisor, National Highways (NH) and Treasuries and Accounts , Dr. Longrineken.

36th PDSA meet day-1 highlight

On day one, athletics event for both men and women were held with participants from 10 units competing in the events. The winners of each discipline will represent the district in the forthcoming Nagaland Olympics, which the chief minister of Aagaland, Neiphiu Rio who is also president of Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), had announced to host the event later this year.

In men’s 100 metre dash, Zhokho Thingo representing CAGSA finished the line in 11.76 seconds and won the gold medal while Ato Rhakho from Tizu Area Sports Association (TASA) crossed the line in 11.85 seconds to win silver medal and Nuritso Keyho from Chozuba Area Sports Association (CASA) finished in 11.94 seconds winning the bronze medal.

In men’s 200 metre sprint, Nuritso Keyho of CASA, Kudephuyi Ruho and Zhokho Thingo of CAGSA won gold, silver and bronze respectively.

While in men’s 400 metre sprint, Mulusayi Medeo from CASA, Mutsizo Lohe from Center Chakhesang Sports Association (CCSA) and Khoku Kezo from Phek Area Sports Association (PASA) won gold, silver and bronze.

In 800 metre race, Mulusayi Medeo of CASA, Mutsizo Lohe of CCSA and Nucukho Rhakho of CAGSA won gold, silver and bronze medals.

Yet again, in men’s 1500 metre race, Mulusayi Medeo of CASA won another gold while CAGSA’s Nucukho Rhakho won silver and Wede T Mero from Seceku Area Sports Association (SASA) won the bronze medal.

In men’s field events, Melevo Rose of CAGSA, Venuzo Dawhuo of CAGSA and Khrethovey from CASA won gold, silver and bronze respectively in shot-put.

In discuss throw, the gold medal was won by Venuzo Dawhuo from CAGSA, while silver medal was won by Vevocüyi Rhakho of CAGSA and PASA’s Vedekho Soho won bronze.

While in javelin throw, CCSA player Verohu Rahüyi, SASA’s Sapunyi Krocha and Phoyisha Area Sports Association (PASA) player Sashi won gold, silver and bronze medal respectively.

In women’s track events, Vephilu Hoshi of PASA finished the 100 meter dash in 13.75 seconds and won a gold medal, CAGSA’s Kuzhopolu Medeo crossedthe line in 13.78 seconds and won silver while PASA’s Choyivelu Nienu finished the line in 14.28 seconds and won the bronze medal.

PASA’s sprinter Vephilu Hoshi won gold in women’s 200 metre sprint, while CAGSA’s sprinter Kuzhopolu Medeo was the silver medalist and Valenulu Tetseo from CASA was the bronze medalist.

In 400 metre sprint, Valenulu Tetseo of CASA, Medolu Rhakho of CASA and Vekulu Khesoh of CAGSA won gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.

Women’s 800 metre race gold medal was won by Vesatsulu Khesoh of CASA, silver by Cekrotalu Khesoh of CASA and bronze by Neipre-u Kupa of Khezha-Khuzha Area Sports Association (KKASA).

While in 1500 meter race, CASA’s sprinter Vesatsulu Khesoh won another gold medal, silver by Vebilu Kezo of PASA and bronze by CAGSA’s Mery Chuzho.

In women field events, Veluno Shijo of TASA won gold medal in discuss throw, silver by TASA’s Kuvelu Medeo and bronze by PASA’s Niekuvolu Vese.

CASA’s Mudosalu Nyekha won gold medal in javelin throw, while silver medal was also won by CASA’s Vekhonulu Dozo and Bronze Medal by CAGSA’s Shodulü Swiho.

Veluno Shijo of TASA won her second gold medal when she won another one in Shot put, while Honi Medeo of CAGSA won silver and Kuvelu Medeo of TASA won bronze. In women long jump, CAGSA’s Kuzhopolu Medeo won Gold medal, Choyivelu Nienu of PASA won silver and bronze medal was won by Muletalu Tetseo.