Nagaland’s first Paralympic Games ends on high note

Our Reporter
Dimapur, Aug. 23 (EMN): Nagaland witnessed its first-ever official Paralympic Games here at Vidhya Bhawan Higher Secondary School, Nagarjan, Dimapur, on Tuesday.

The one-day Paralympic Games which consisted of three disciplines, namely para-bocce, para-judo, and para-shot-put, was conducted successfully and concluded on a high note.

State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Diethono Nakhro, who graced the opening ceremony as special guest, in her address said the day marks a huge step forward for the para sport movement and hoped the movement will grow bigger and stronger.

The commissioner said there is so much potential in sport for the youth with disabilities and the vision is to design and build a strong para-sport programme to train and support the athletes to enable them to excel in sporting arenas across the globe.

Diethono assured that all efforts will be made to encourage and engage persons with disabilities in sports and that every citizen, including citizens with disabilities, should have the same opportunity to live life to the fullest, to chase their dreams, and to live up to their potential.

“Difference is strength, not a weakness, and we must build a society where opportunities exist for all. Sport has a unique power. It can be a catalyst to transforming the lives of people and communities,” she said.

Expressing delight to see young athletes participating in the games, she said that they are embracing their disability and while embracing it, they would find their strength, power and path to possibilities that lie within them.

Sports Commission of Indian Blind and Para Judo Association, Dr. S Uma Shankar, who also spoke on the occasion, said Nagaland has very talented youngsters in the field of sports and if they are provided such kind of platform and support, the para-athletes would definitely achieve good results in the national as well as international levels.

On the occasion, Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, in a message which was read out by co-convenor of Nagaland Parasports Committee and joint secretary of NOA, Kuputo Shohe, termed the day as a red-letter day in the history of Nagaland, as the first Nagaland Olympics and Paralympics Games aims not only to promote and foster sports, but it is also intended to promote oneness and unity amongst the Nagas.