Nagaland Sports
YRS organises rural sports event at Shilloi lake
DIMAPUR — As part of the Innovative Programme 2022-2023 aimed at promoting sports and adventure activities among the youth of rural areas, department of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) conducted a youth adventure and rural sports event at the picturesque Shilloi Lake in Phek district from October 31 to November 3.
A DIPR report stated that the event witnessed enthusiastic participation of 36 youth from nine districts along with 80 youth from the Phokhungri area of Phek district. Besides, officials from YRS, Nagaland Adventure and Mountaineering Association (NAAME) and local leaders attended the event.
It stated that participants engaged in a wide range of activities including tent pitching, zip-lining, rescue and survival operations, hiking, eco-tourism, camping, and two days of rural sports.
During the programme, Kethosituo Sekhose, director of YRS, extended a warm welcome to the participants and highlighted the event’s significance for the youth of the state. He emphasised the role of tourism in the region’s development and informed the participants about various schemes available to support youth initiatives.
Ashelo, president of Phokhungri Area Sports Organisation (PASO), has appreciated the initiatives undertaken by YRS including providing jerseys and cash prizes to the teams. He also encouraged everyone to spread the word about the scenic beauty of Shilloi Lake.
Nyusietho Nyuthe, advisor for New and Renewable Energy, NSDMA, attended the first rural sports event under the Innovative Programme of the state government. He stressed the importance of education and encouraged the youth to explore various career options.
He also advised the people of Phokhungri area to work together in order to usher in development.
The first match in football was played between Letsam team and Zhipu Sporting Club. The event was attended by YRS officials, village and community leaders, and the pastor of Town Baptist Church, Phokhungri.
The closing ceremony of the rural sports in football for Phokhungri area was attended by Albert Ezung, additional deputy commissioner of Meluri, as the special guest.
Ezung congratulated the winners and motivated other participants to continue striving for success. He commended the YRS department for organising competitive and sporting events in the most remote areas.
Ezung also expressed his concerns about the lack of development in the region and urged the public and youth to collaborate with the government for its uplift.
The prize distribution was followed with a thanksgiving prayer said by the pastor of Letsam Village Baptist Church, Yinletsϋ.
The event also included a visit to Avakhung village at the Indo-Myanmar border.