Abu Metha greeted the nation on National Sports Day, honouring Major Dhyan Chand and recalling Nagaland’s sporting icons including Talimeren Ao, Chekrovolü Swüro, and Hokato Hotozhe Sema.
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DIMAPUR — Abu Metha, vice president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and secretary general of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NAO), has greeted the sporting fraternity and citizens of the country on the occasion of National Sports Day.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Metha said that this day, celebrated in honour of the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, is a reminder of the power of sport to inspire, unite, and transform lives.
He said that sport teaches discipline, perseverance, and teamwork – values that go far beyond the playing field and shape the character of individuals and communities.
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“On this day, we also remember the legendary feats and inspiring achievements of Dr. Talimeren Ao, India’s first Olympic football captain. He remains a national hero and one of Nagaland’s greatest sons. It is a matter of pride that Nagaland has made significant contributions to India’s sporting journey. Our athletes, sports personalities, and sports leaders have brought glory and honour to our people and to the nation across national and international arenas,” the statement read.
Further, he noted that sport has always been a proud avenue through which citizens from Nagaland have contributed to the nation-building process and mentioned that the names of Olympian Chekrovolü Swüro and Paralympic medallist Hokato Hotozhe Sema at the Paris Olympics will remain inspirational and will be upheld among Nagaland’s greatest achievers for all times to come.
He further added, “We remain committed in our common pursuit of achieving higher goals and winning more medals, with the clear understanding that there is always plenty of room for improvement. We thank and appreciate all members of the sporting ecosystem for their contributions and look forward to their continued support.”