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Kohima, April 6 (EMN): Nagaland’s Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Dr. Neikiesalie Kire on Wednesday advised students and youth to be dedicated, determined and strive for their goals with devotion.
He was addressing the inaugural programme of the Kohima district inter-high school tournament at Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS) Kohima as special guest.
Pointing out that there are no Nagas playing in national games or representing clubs, he challenged the students to be dedicated and pursue their goals.
He also opined that the Nagaland Police team was a ‘renowned team but eventually, Nagas faded away’.
Kire said that Mizoram has only hockey grounds which are small for football but ‘they have raised (footballers) and two-three of them are in clubs while the Manipuris are seen playing in different clubs’.
“Where have the Nagas gone?” he asked, adding, “We are not dedicated.”
Towards this, Kire also said he has organised many football tournaments and observed that players start practising a few weeks ahead of an event.
He urged the gathering to look at the neighbouring states -- Meghalaya, Mizoram and Manipur -- where players keep practicing throughout the year which helps them get into various clubs.
While highlighting the achievements and medals the state has won in the past, and the potential of Nagas to excel, the advisor also appealed to the department of Youth Resources and Sports to organise state-level sepaktakraw tournament to encourage the youths.
Kire also advised the students not to be disheartened when they are not selected but keep chasing their dreams, ‘as one cannot achieve something overnight’.
Further, he said that sports as a career is lucrative if one has the determination and passion to excel.
Earlier, Secretary of Youth Resources and Sports, Wezope Kenye informed that a total of 28 schools under Kohima district are participating in the tournament in three disciplines - football, badminton and table tennis.
Meanwhile a total of 15 teams are taking part in boy's football, and seven teams in girl's football.