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Staff Reporter
Dimapur, Sep. 9 (EMN): Nagaland basketball players need exposure to adapt to the modern trend of basketball and the officiating standard is low. Unless the officiating standard is professionalised, there will be no room for guidance, reasoned International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Atanu Banerjee who had been roped in for the two-day basketball clinic held in Dimapur. Banerjee along with the other two coaches, Satyabrata Nayak and Amalendu Kumar Singh who has considerable coaching experiences was certain about one thing-more skilful officiating standard which can take basketball enthusiast to the next level.“Two-day for a basketball coach is not enough to form a clear idea about the players. There is nothing wrong with the talent of the players here, instead it was surprising to see them play well as beginners; the problem is the lack of basketball basics which need to be refined with more time”, pointed out the coaches. Executive Director of Impact Senti Longkumer also pointed that the basketball players in the state play without knowing the basic rules and because of which, the state is not able to produce fine players. Longkumer suggested for a basketball association in Dimapur district so that it will give room to produce state level players. Dorians Society chairman Aomeren Longkumer said the society has been given the authority to form Dimapur district basketball association and the society will be organising Nagaland basketball championship in the month of November for both boys and girls category. The main aim of the basketball clinic is to involve the youths in sports as most of the youths in the state are diverted to anti-social activities. Considering the youths diversion to anti-social activities, Dorians Society intends to create basketball awareness in the city and give an opportunity to the players, coaches and referees to excel in this field, said Longkumer. Dorians Society which constitutes 43 members, are independent individuals who have involved themselves positively as Dorians are on an endeavour to give back to the society. Longkumer said those students’ who have been part of the two-day basketball clinic will be able to give the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) exam for those interested. Nagaland Basketball Association (NBA) technical director Medozhatuo Rütsa acknowledging Dorians Society for initiating one of the first kinds of basketball clinic in the state said such events should be initiated in other districts too which can create avenue for basketball game to grow in the state considering the passion youths have for the sport. Acknowledging that NBA have remain dormant for quite some time, Rütsa said under the leadership of parliamentary secretary for Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio who is also the President of NBA is working on to revive the activities of NBA. Changwar Lukhu, a student of Rajan Basketball Coaching Centre (RBCC) in Dimapur who had enrolled for the two-day basketball clinic shared it was his first time experience coaching under professionals and without the basketball clinic; it would not have been possible. Elated to have had coached under professionals, the passionate player who also plays for his school (Christian Higher Secondary School) team said the clinic was encouraging as they could gain knowledge on how to cooperate with referee and play as a team with extensive basics on basketball. However Lukhu expressed if the clinic had been conducted for more than two days so that they could enhance their playing skills. The enthusiast player conveyed that enthusiasts players should avail such opportunities to improve their skills and be informed with basics of a game. Dorians Club, the sports wing of Dorians Society in association with NBA organised the two-day basketball clinic from September 8 to 9 at the basketball Court of Dimapur Government College. The event was conducted with financial aid by NBA and well wishers.