No shortcut to become a sports champion — Abu Metha

Our Correspondent

Botsa, Jan. 18 (EMN): Asserting that games and sports have become the most recognised profession in the world, Associate Vice President of Athletic Federation of India (AFI) and Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland Abu Metha called upon the youths to take up games and sports with all seriousness, adding that there is no shortcut to become a champion.

He was addressing the 30th Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA) Group ‘D’ meet opening ceremony as special guest at Botsa village under Kohima district.

 Metha maintained that the narrative of games and sports had changed from erstwhile hobby or recreational activity to becoming a professional career, adding that it was the most watched human activity in television with over 20 channels telecasting sports activities.

He asserted that sports unite people, stating that the Olympics games bring more countries under one platform than any other human activity on earth. He added that membership to the United Nations (UN) was lesser than the Olympics last year.

Furthermore, he stressed on the need to bring good coaches to train the players at grassroots level with exposure to develop sports in the state.

Rather than organising tournaments alone, he also urged to identify budding sportspersons and provide them the opportunity to be trained professionally. Towards this, he viewed that the society can produce national and international champions.

He also opined that Nagas are second to none, having the potential to be champions and added that the leadership in the state, politicians, policy makers and officials should collectively provide facilities and infrastructure to produce sportspersons.

Metha also highlighted that in a few days time, the Regional Centre for Sports Excellence at Sovima will be inaugurated, a first of its kind in Northeast India.

Earlier presidential address was delivered by Kevilezo Kense, President, NASA-D, while a special number was presented by Visenuo Rio and the programme was chaired by Kezhangulie Kire, General Secretary, NASA-D.

 A total of 12 villages — Chiechama; Teichuma; Tuophema; Tuophe Phezou; Gariphema; Nachama; Gariphe Basa; Botsa; Seiyhama; Tseimekhuma; Tsiemekhuma Basa and Seiyha Phesa — are competing in various events in  the week-long meet.