Kohima, Jan 11: The Western Angami Sports Association (WASA) games and athletics meet commenced today at WAPO ground, Sechü Zubza, with Zhaleo Rio, Member of Legislative Assembly, Government of Nagaland, as chief guest.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Zhaleo advised the sportspersons to not merely participate in games and sports, but urged them to take part with commitment and determination to reach the top.“In our context, many sportspersons tends to have a ‘very casual approach’ to the games and sports activities/tournaments organised at the village or range level. It is time we do away with this casual attitude,” he said making his observation known that many players only practice during sports event.
“To achieve at the top level of competition, you need to be fit and train all the time,” Zhaleo said mentioning that there is no substitute to hard work and dedication.
Stating that aspiring sportspersons should start training from a very young age, he also underlined the need for guidance and counselling in order to identify and mould them.
“We have to catch them (players) young. Here it is the responsibility of the youth leaders and sports organisations to identify talents at young age and mould them to the fullest. There should not be any space for lackadaisical attitude or approach,” he added.
Mentioning about the poor sports infrastructure in the State, he observed that the inability to achieve at higher level is because of our half-hearted approach in anything we do.
He also underscored the need for preserving rich tradition and culture, which he said is our identity. “We are in the 21st century, no doubt we have to import the western culture which comes to our advantage, but that does not mean we have to ignore our culture and traditions” he said cautioning that we will be left unrecognised before the world if we lose our identity.
The inaugural function was chaired by WASA general secretary, Zhasa Sirie, invocation was pronounced by Khriengulie Kuotsu, pastor of Sechü Zubza Baptist Church, while WASA president, Kobou Mezhünyü delivered the welcome address and a special song was presented by the youth department of Sechü Zubza Catholic Church. WASA games & athletics secretary, Khriesakuolie Khawakhrie administered the oath to players.
Over 200 sportspersons from different villages under Western Angami region, comprising of four groups are taking part in the three-day event which will conclude on January 13.
The teams will be competing in athletic events and games including football, volleyball, sepaktakraw, badminton and table tennis.
The selected players will represent WASA at the forthcoming Angami Sports Association (ASA) meet to be held tentatively in the month of February.
Meanwhile, it has been announced that WASA wrestling meet will be held on January 25, at Kohima local ground.
The closing function, on January 13, would be graced by Lhouphrevilie Rino, president, Western Angami Public Organisation, as the guest of honour.
