Kohima, May 23 (EMN): Good news for sports lovers residing in the State capital, particularly lawn tennis players, as Kohima will soon become the second district in the State to have an indoor tennis stadium.
The foundation stone for the Indoor Tennis Stadium was laid today by the Chief Minister Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu in the presence of C. Apok Jamir, the president of Nagaland Lawn Tennis Association (NLTA).
The new tennis stadium, located at Indira Gandhi stadium, Kohima, is expected to be completed in six months time from now. It is the second of such stadiums in Nagaland, next to the tennis stadium at Kuda village (Nagarjan), Dimapur.
The cost of the stadium is projected at Rs. 2.5 crores and is being funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
Speaking at a function after laying down the foundation stone at IG Stadium Complex, the chief minister underscored the importance of development of infrastructure and facilities in the field of sports.
“The government should focus more on improving infrastructure and providing facilities to the sportspersons. Lack of facilities is hampering the growth of sports though we have talents,” the CM observed.
The CM went on to say that “If the right platform is provided at the grassroots, the Naga youngsters have immense talents and potentials to compete at the national and international level.”
With much concern, he reiterated saying that so many youngsters were not able to develop their talents due to lack of infrastructure and required facilities.
The chief minister, however, was optimistic that the younger generation will be able to develop their skills and talents through the setting up of this indoor tennis stadium here at Kohima. He observed that tennis, unlike before where it was considered a game for elite class, has now gradually developed to become a popular sporting event worldwide.
Stating that everyone cannot go to Dimapur to play tennis, the CM expressed hope that the construction of the indoor tennis stadium in the State capital will immensely boost the development of sports amongst our people.
President of NLTA C Apok Jamir, in his address, highlighted the history and evolution of lawn tennis in Nagaland.
He informed that state level tennis tournaments are annually conducted by NLTA. To its credit, the NLTA had also organized national level tournaments for juniors - Talent Series and Championship Series.
The association has also initiated a new venture called ‘School Tennis’, wherein, they send tennis coaches to various schools to give coaching. At present, there are 30 boys and girls availing coaching at the tennis complex, Dimapur, Jamir informed.
On the day, the NLTA president also requested the government to set up a tennis academy in order to discover and catch talents while they are young further to provide them basic coaching from tender age. Jamir also stressed the need to set up tennis stadiums in all the districts of Nagaland.
It may be recalled that the NLTA was founded in 1988 and got affiliation to the All India Tennis Association the following year in 1999.
The programme, chaired by Menguzotuonuo Linyü, commenced with invocation pronounced by Atuo Whuorie, Pastor Baptist Mission Church, while NLTA general secretary David Kire tendered the vote of thanks.
Commissioner Secretaries to the Government of Nagaland, FP Solo and L. Kire also attended the programme among others.
