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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 27 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday said the theme of Nagaland and Paralympic Games 2022, “Stronger Together” clearly sends out the message that ‘Nagas must be one in order to rise, shine and excel’.
He was addressing the gathering at the closing ceremony of 2nd Nagaland Olympic and Paralympic Games 2022 at NBCC Convention Centre in Kohima.
The 6-day sporting extravaganza, which officially started on August 22, concluded on the 27th.
Rio, who is also the president of Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), said that the competition in 11 sports disciplines and three para sports disciplines brought more than 2000 youths from every part of Nagaland together, adding that the games had sent the right message of unity and oneness.
He called upon the participants to take the games as the beginning of a new journey to collectively write a new narrative for the future of Nagaland in sports. He asserted that the state has tremendous potential in the field of sports and games, and called for efforts to translate potential into results.
He stated that better infrastructure in tune with modern needs, quality human resources in games development, improvement in nutrition and diet, increased exposure and most importantly a scientific approach to sports are the need of the hour.
The chief minister also lauded the athletes, officials and associations, who had contributed to the successful conduct of the Nagaland Olympic and Paralympic Games.
‘It has been a successful game due to the contribution of all sections but the biggest contributors are the athletes. It is because of the athletes that these games are organised,’ he said.
The Phek district team’s cleanliness drive at IG Stadium on Saturday morning also got a special mention in the chief minister's speech. 'Your thoughtful gesture will go a long way in setting a good example to our people,’ he said.
Rio asserted that the games act as a platform to showcase the hard work and efforts put in by athletes, as well as a platform to scout talent. He said the champion athletes and best performing sportspersons will be selected to train for state-level coaching camps for the upcoming Northeast Olympics in Meghalaya and the National Games in Gujarat.
While congratulating the winners, he also encouraged those who could not win medals this time to work harder in order to achieve success in future endeavours.
He went on to laud the new and interior districts for its performance, saying that it is a positive sign for the future. He said the government is encouraged to work harder for the youths of the state in every part of Nagaland.
Secretary General of NOA, Abu Metha presented the closing remark during the ceremony. The function also witnessed cultural presentations besides the prize distributions.
The second Nagaland Olympic and Paralympic Games 2022, which started on August 22, concluded on Saturday.
More than a dozen events were held during the six-day sporting extravaganza.
Among the districts, Kohima topped the medal tally with 70, including 23 gold, 23 silver and 18 bronze, followed by Phek with 59 medals; Dimapur 57; and Noklak 18. Tuensang and Kiphire districts were at the bottom of the table with two bronze each.
On the final day, boxing event for various weight categories was held.
