Sportspersons are ambassador of peace, unity – Abu Metha

KOHIMA —  Vice president of Athletics Federation of India (AFI), advisor to Nagaland chief minister and chairman of IDAN, Abu Metha on Saturday said that sportspersons are ambassadors of peace and unity.

He was addressing the inaugural programme of the 66th Kohima Village Sports Association (KVSA), hosted by Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO), at Kewhimia ground, Ziekiezou, as special guest.

Metha acknowledged the people of Kohima village for giving their best sons and daughters towards the journey of the Naga people — in Naga political movement and Nagaland’s quest for peace, honour and respect.

In this context, he challenged the citizens of the Kohima village to continue with the aspirations, not only for themselves but for the greater cause of the Naga people and the nation.

Highlighting that the geo-politics of the world, the dynamics of the modern society and the progress of various communities are constantly changing, he reminded that Nagaland is positioned in a “critical geo-political situation” and strategically placed to make inroads into ASEAN countries.

In the light of this, Metha asserted that Kohima must rise to the occasion to emerge as an international destination and as a global city to make greater contributions, while citing the recent report of Sydney Morning Herald listing Nagaland as the top 4 out of 16 tourism destinations in 2024.

“We have the potential, we have the capability, have vibrant youth and have history and legacy to power us,” he said and encouraged the younger generation to understand that they have a greater role to play in the destiny of humanity as a whole.

Metha also highlighted that sports is the most unifying power on earth and that sportspersons are not athletes and sportspersons alone, but ambassadors of peace and unity.

Projecting that in the next five years, the Indian sport industry will be worth 500 billion dollars, he affirmed that India is a “rising power in sports” as the country is winning medals at world championships, Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games.

He further asserted that the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Niephiu Rio is making renewed efforts to develop sports infrastructure and ecosystem of sports.

Earlier, a short speech was delivered by Helevio Solo, chairman of Kohima Village Council, while a brief history of KVSA was presented by Medoselhou Keretsü and presidential address was delivered by Vituonyü Khezhie.

K Neibou Sekhose, executive member of All India Football Federation (AIFF) and president of Nagaland Football Association, was the guest of honour.

The LXVI KVSA Meet 2024 will culminate on January 20 with four khels – Lhisemia, Tsutuonuomia, Pfuchatsumia and Dapfhutsumia – competing in various events.