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MP Lok Sabha Neiphiu Rio along with ASA officials and other legislators after unveiling the ASA golden jubilee monolith at Old Secretariat Complex on February 28.[/caption]
Kohima, Feb 28: Member of Parliament Lok Sabha, Neiphiu Rio Tuesday encouraged the need to organise more sporting events so as to promote unity and friendship among the people, particularly the Nagas.
Speaking as chief guest at the Angami Sports Association (ASA) golden jubilee celebration today at Kohima local ground, Rio, who graced the inaugural function as the chief guest, stated that games and sports activities provides the ideal platform to bring people together as one.
“Politics, war and religion divides people, but sports bring people together. Be it black or white, small or big, high or low, there is no division when it comes to sports,” Rio remarked.
Stating that good health of citizens is the greatest wealth of a nation, the Lok Sabha MP urged the need for Nagas to regularly engage in games and sports activities so as to stay fit and healthy.
“Engaging in games and sports activities not only enable us to stay fit and healthy, but also enable us to manage ourselves better on time management, discipline and obedience,” Rio said and further advised the sportspersons to inculcate the good habits that comes through sports.
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SASA contingent marching in at the opening ceremony of ASA golden jubilee celebration on February 28.[/caption]
On Naga wrestling which is played amongst the Tenyimi communities and considered one of the most popular indigenous games of the Nagas, Rio shared his views to promote the game to even other parts of the State and beyond.
“We should continue to promote our culture so as to preserve our identity. Going by the beauty of the game, its popularity and the number of crowd it gathers, Naga wrestling is one such indigenous game that needs to be promoted in all days to come,” the MP said and urged the Tenyimi leaders to continue taking the initiative to reach out to other parts of the world in educating people about this indigenous game which is so loved by the Nagas. To this, he made a reference of the Japanese Sumo wrestling which nowadays is played in many countries across the world.
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“In promoting our indigenous games, we are preserving our identity and culture,” he said adding that the Nagas should always treasure our customary practices and allow no outside force to decide on what is good for our people and its wellbeing.
Stating that Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution is solely to safeguard the rights of the Naga people, he maintained that Article 371(A) should not be altered unless a resolution is passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to amend it.
Recalling the dreadful incidents that took place in the State over the past couple of months between the government and the people, Rio while regretting the differences and divisions, voiced the need for the Nagas to come together.
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“Jubilee is a time to forgive and forget. As we continue to surge ahead, may the Almighty shower his blessings upon our people and help us to re-unite through this jubilee for better understanding and oneness,” he said.
Earlier on the day, the MP Lok Sabha also laid wreathes at the graveyard of the two Naga martyrs late Khriesavizo Metha and late Bendangnungsang Longkumer at Old Secretariat Complex, Kohima.
ASA golden jubilee celebration begins
The golden jubilee celebration of the Angami Sports Association (ASA) commenced today at Kohima local ground. The inaugural function was graced by Neiphiu Rio, Member of Parliament Lok Sabha as the chief guest.
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Over 500 athletes from four groups of the Angami region including Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA), Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA), Western Angami Sports Association (WASA) and Chakhroma Sports Association (CSA) are taking part in the five-day event which will conclude on March 4.
On day-one, the competitions for the athletic events were conducted. On day-two, the athletics competitions will continue along with the indoor games which will commence in the evening at the Indoor Stadium, Kohima.
The competitions for football and volleyball matches, both men and women, will commence on Thursday and will continue even the next day.
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The marathon race, scheduled on March 2, will begin at 6 am. The starting point for the marathon race is at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma via TCP Gate, Razhü Point, Tin Pati, DBS, BSF Check Gate, Seikhazou and will culminate at Kohima local ground.
On all the five days, the Angami legislators will be gracing the respective day events as special guests, including the indoor games.
The Naga wrestling championship is scheduled on March 4 with Minister Kiyanilie Peseyie as the chief guest, while MLA Dr. Nicky Kire will be the guest of honour for the valedictory function the same day.
As for Naga wrestling, the championship will begin at 9.30 am. A total of 56 wrestlers from SASA, NASA, WASA and CSA would be vying for the ultimate ASA wrestling title 2017.
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Earlier on the day, the chief guest unveiled the ASA jubilee monolith at Old Secretariat Complex, which was dedicated by Rev Zakiebinyü Peseyie, pastor, Baptist Church Jotsoma.
The inaugural function was chaired by ASA general secretary Er Zale Neikha, while Rev Dr. Neikedozo Paphino, president, Nagaland Christian Revival Church, pronounced the invocation.
The ASA presidential address was delivered by Viliehu Nguzhü, while renowned artiste Methaneilie Jütakhrie sang the ASA jubilee theme song. The administration of oath to the players was led by Khriesamhalie Santsu, athletic secretary, ASA.
