Rio counsels youth to find unity in sports

Says construction of Multi-disciplinary Sports Complex may take another decade without fund

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 10: The ongoing construction of Multi-disciplinary Sports Complex, Dimapur that was initiated during Dimapur Stadium project in 2005 may take more than 20 years to compete if the central government fails to release the fund, this was stated by MP Lok Sabha Neiphiu Rio while addressing the inaugural function of ‘Inter College Sports Meet-Cum-Beat Contest 2016’ that was held at Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex, Dimapur on Thursday. The event has been organised by the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU).
According to Rio, the ongoing construction of the multi-ground was initiated during his tenure as CM. “It is about 10 years now. It may take another 10-20 years to accomplish, where we will get the facilities to motivate our sports person, our youth.
“We don’t have our own resources, every year we are given about Rs 10 crore to work (with). It will take us 20-30 years to complete if price escalation doesn’t go out of control, but don’t lose heart, even the poorest countries can shine, it depends on the people’s commitment,” he said.
Rio also lamented that “Nagaland lives in such a situation, where our political issue is not solved, no infrastructure for the sports person and no incentives”. Rio encouraged the students to take sports as serious profession stating that though Nagaland is small in size and less in number people will take note of us if we work hard. “Sport is an area that can bring fame for the state.”
Sports and music don’t discriminate people but bring all the common people together, he maintained. “Sport and music have no language, no race, no colour; they transcend all border and manmade boundary. It brings together to celebrate festivity, socialise, make friendship.”

But he also warned that the profession should not be taken lightly. “There is no shortcut to anything, you have to be disciplined, dedicated, put all your effort with hard labour in order to excel and become a real star.”
“Among the 10 top professions, music and sports holds first and second, out of 10, and politicians are in the last. We (Politicians) are criticised, looked down, and people love us, hate us, but in music and sports it is full of fame and glory”, he maintained.
To the players, he said, display your best skills in the true spirit of sportsmanship and promote the cause of friendship, unity and understanding. “I hope your coming here together will send you back home with good memories and friendships cultivated.”
“The youth of today is the hope and future of tomorrow, you will become the leader, the policy makers of tomorrow. Follow your dreams and also strive to stick to the theme ‘Igniting oneness’ and ‘unity is strength’. Let youths unite and pursue together because we have only one goal,” he called upon the youths.
Altogether 26 colleges are participating in the sports meet. The four-daylong event will conclude on November 12.