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Participants of the first U-14 free football coaching camp seen here along with others at the IG stadium in Kohima.[/caption]
Dimapur, Sep. 8 (EMN): The first ever U-14 free football coaching camp for boys and girls was officially inaugurated by Nagaland Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, Zale Neikha at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima on September 7.
Initiated by Neikha himself, the camp will be conducted twice a week every Wednesday and Saturday.
A total of 46 budding footballers, 40 boys and 6 girls have registered for the coaching camp conducted by the state coaches under Youth Resources and Sports department, Nagaland. Three state football coaches Ruopfü Meyase, Kevilebei Zashümo, and Rokovituo Suohu are imparting the training.
Addressing the youngsters, Neikha said Nagas are enthusiast footballer and start playing the game from a young age but due to lack of exposure and proper training they are unable to excel further.
Also stating Nagas are physically short but have immense stamina and strength, he said that in order to groom the Naga boys and girls from the young age, the initiative is being taken up.
Recalling that Dr T Ao led the Indian football team as the captain in the 1948 Olympics, he expressed hope that the continuous practice and training would mould them to reach international levels.
The MLA also encouraged the youngsters to manage proper routine for studies and games.
Neikha also announced that the department has 32 coaches in different discipline and that he intends to nurture young talents to enable them to compete at highest level by conducting such coaching camp for other disciplines as well.
He expressed optimism that with such humble initiative of the government, “our young Naga boys and girls will excel in different discipline of sports and compete with other states at the national and international levels in the near future.”
Neikha also informed that the department would soon be launching the free coaching facility in Dimapur district.
Director Youth Resources & Sports, Akumla Chuba informed that the department would provide dropping facilities for those attending the camp.