328 athletes from 29 villages are competing in the 66th NASA meet
Neibalie Rio addressing the 66th Northern Angami Sports
Association meet at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima on Tuesday. (EM Images)
KOHIMA — The 66th
Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA) meet got underway on Tuesday at
Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS), Kohima. The meet will continue until January 30.
Neibalie Rio, special officer to the Chief Minister of
Nagaland, attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest. In his address,
he stated that the state government, under the able leadership of the chief
minister, has made sports a priority and is investing significantly in building
infrastructure.
He informed that in the financial year 2023-24,
approximately INR 127.00 crore was spent on sports infrastructure, while in
2024-25, INR 107.00 crore was allocated. He also added that efforts are being
made to promote sports activities, such as capacity building for sportspersons.
Athletes competing in the 100m race on Tuesday at Indira
Gandhi Stadium in Kohima. (EM Images)
Rio pointed out that through grants-in-aid to the Nagaland
Olympic Association and sponsoring sportspersons for national and international
tournaments, the government spent approximately INR 39 crore in 2023-24 and INR
13 crore in 2024-25.
He stated that, despite these commendable efforts, the state
has yet to consistently produce professional sportspersons who excel at
national and international levels, thereby bringing pride to both the state and
the nation.
He maintained that sports today is not just about an event
of competition; it has evolved into a lucrative industry. He pointed out that
athletes who excel have become global icons, earning fame and wealth, while
sports-related items have become some of the most sought-after products these
days.
In this regard, he asserted that it is high time to shift
perspectives and view sports as a viable profession rather than just a hobby or
a medium for participation. He also emphasised the crucial role of parents in
this transformation, adding that they must recognise and nurture their
children's talents, encouraging them to pursue sports as a full-time career.
Highlighting that in Nagaland, politics and government jobs
have long been regarded as the most aspired professions, he asserted the need
to change this mindset. He added that the younger generation should be inspired
to pursue sports with dedication and make it their career.
Rio also encouraged society to focus on the development of
young, talented athletes by identifying their potential at an early age,
providing quality training, and nurturing their growth. He emphasised that, if
required, people should sponsor them and support their development at sporting
academies.
Maintaining that the people cannot expect politicians and
department officers to win medals for the state, as they are only assigned to
provide strategic direction and allocate resources, he stated that it is
ultimately the responsibility of the citizens to actively participate, support,
and nurture the growth of sports within their communities.
Keduo-o Zumu, president of the Northern Angami Public
Organisation (NAPO), in his greetings, exhorted the players to place their hope
in God as they play. He also encouraged the players to be inspired to excel and
urged them to aim for success, striving for national and international medals.
Earlier, the presidential address was delivered by
Vizosielie Khoubve, who urged that through sports, greater understanding would
be forged and a platform provided for sportspersons to excel. He also
encouraged the players to give their best, not only to achieve for themselves
but also for the community.
A total of 328 athletes from 29 villages, organised into
four groups, are competing in the 66th NASA meet.
