Nagaland government resolved to develop new and modern sports infrastructure, says CM Rio

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 24 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday stated that Nagaland has always been recognised as a state with a successful football heritage but the ‘unresolved political issue, resulting in lack of resources and poor infrastructure’, is negatively impacting the overall development of sports.

He was addressing the crowd on Monday evening during the grand finale of the 22nd NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy.

Nagaland had significant success in football in the past, starting from the legendary exploits of Dr. T Ao, he said.

“In the past decades, the Nagaland teams, including Nagaland Police and junior teams have performed in exemplary manner,” he said.

Unfortunately, those performances had failed to take the sport to the next level due to several factors, he said, adding that they (government) have taken the strong commitment to make a fresh start towards their sports development plan.

“We have undertaken a serious resolve to develop new and modern sports infrastructure in different parts of the state,” he said.

He informed that some of the highlights of the new infrastructure projects are upgrading of Indira Gandhi Stadium with astro-turf, floodlights and locker rooms; setting up of astro-turf facilities in the districts of Mokokchung, Peren, Mon, Tuensang and Chumoukedima; and indoor stadiums in Longleng, Wokha and Kohima.

Rio, who is also the president of Nagaland Olympic Association, said that there are new indoor sports facilities in the districts of Tseminyu, Nuiland, Noklak, Tuensang and Chumoukedima; establishment of Centre of Sporting Excellence in Chumoukedima district with Archery Academy, Shooting Sport Centre, Motorsports and Adventure Sports Centre and a futsal facility.

He also shared about the upgrading of Kohima Badminton Stadium, setting up of new cricket ground in Chumoukedima district and establishment of Nagaland Olympic Association Headquarters.

“We have also undertaken several initiatives for development of sports and games from the grassroots to the highest level,” Rio said.

Some of the highlights, he informed, included establishment of Nagaland Police Sports Battalion, establishment of Khelo India Centers in Nagaland for the disciplines of archery, wrestling, boxing and shooting in the districts of Kohima, Dimapur, Phek and Peren.

He informed that they had conducted state-level coaching camps with national coaches in athletics for preparation of national and international events and hosted the South Asian Cross-Country Championships and National Cross-Country Championships; conducted the  2nd Nagaland Olympic and Paralympic Games; and intensive state-level coaching camps with national and international coaches in 17 disciplines ahead of Northeast Olympics.

Some of the initiatives that are on the anvil, which will be undertaken in the coming months, are establishment of sports academies; setting up of centres of excellence and high-performance centres; establishment of state-of-the-art infrastructure; introduction of sports scholarships and reservations for meritorious sportspersons; bid to host National Games in Nagaland; and adopting scientific approach to sports development and creation of a wholesome eco-system that will pave the way for grooming of champions at the international levels.

“We have hope and confidence in our sportsperson. Even as I speak, our teams are preparing in 17 disciplines for the upcoming Northeast Olympic Games. We are hopeful that our sportspersons will perform well in this meet and thereby begin a new journey for sports in Nagaland.

“We have decided to make a bid for hosting the National Games and that process will only be possible if we can perform with distinction in the playing arenas. I urge the sportspersons of the state to make renewed efforts towards achieving success and excellence,” he said.

“Taking this opportunity, I would like to call upon the sports associations to rededicate themselves and come in close collaboration with the Nagaland Olympic Association. The Olympic Association has taken significant steps towards streamlining the administration and management of sports, after establishment of a modern headquarters in Kohima,” he added.

The chief minister stated that the successful conduct of the recently held Nagaland Olympic and Paralympic Games, where more than 3000 persons participated, was an indication of the efforts the state government are making.

“At present, we are observing a revival of sports, especially football in Nagaland. We have organised a number of sports events including the Dr. T Ao Trophy and the Nagaland Olympics. Presently, there are ongoing leagues in Peren and Mokokchung and the Chumoukedima football tournament recently concluded. Our Under-17 team also won the Subroto Cup. These tournaments and leagues are the grooming grounds for tomorrow’s champions,” he said. 

“My government is committed towards empowerment of the youth through sports and games. Sport is, today, a multi-billion-dollar industry that employs and gives gainful careers to millions of people across the globe. Our Naga youth must also get the opportunities of this sector and in doing so achieve excellence at the highest levels and contribute towards nation building,” he added.