Nagaland CM Rio announces projects to promote ‘The beautiful game’

• DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday announced several upcoming projects, including the Nagaland Football Academy, Chief Minister's Sports Scholarships and Nagaland International Gold Cup, to promote ‘The beautiful game’ of football in the state.
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• The chief minister made the announcement during the closing ceremony of the first Nagaland Super League's grand finale, held at Chümoukedima Football Stadium.

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• Rio said that a professional state-supported football academy at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium will be set up in collaboration with an internationally reputed institution, which will nurture young talent and elevate the sporting landscape of Nagaland.
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• The Chief Minister's Sports Scholarships will select young talents for top football academies.
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• He also disclosed that the state is prepared to host the Nagaland International Gold Cup, an international event featuring four local, four national and four international teams.
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• “This event will carry forward the momentum and prepare our local clubs for the I-League. The event will give national and international exposure to our players in our own backyard and bring Nagaland on the football map.
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• “Moreover, INR 2 crore each per annum will be awarded to the teams that qualify for the National I-League,” the chief minister said.
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• Rio remarked that the Nagaland Super League is not just a tournament but also “a platform, a movement, and a celebration of the incredible footballing talent that thrives in every corner of our beautiful state.”
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• “The Nagaland Super League is a promise - a promise to every young boy and girl in our hills and valleys that if you dare to dream, if you work hard and stay true to your purpose, the world will take notice.”
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• “As we move toward the future, I urge all stakeholders public and private - to invest in grassroots development, infrastructure, and capacity-building. Let's aim not just to sustain this league, but to grow it, elevate it, and make Nagaland a shining beacon in Indian football,” Rio added.
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• NSL has set new standard in football — Patton
  
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• Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home, Y Patton, who also addressed the event, said that the NSL has set a new standard for football enthusiasts in the state.
• “Although, the NSL is organised for the first time, it has been a well-structured competition that brought together the best of local talents. It has captured the attention of the people particularly the football fans from across the state and beyond.
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• “This league has proved beyond doubt that our state is second to none in organising such competitive sporting events. I place on record my appreciation and congratulate the organisers for putting heads together in managing the league professionally,” the deputy CM said.
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• Patton maintained that the state government under Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio has been doing its best in promoting sports of all disciplines.
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• “Our government has focused on developing a robust sporting ecosystem in the state by building sporting infrastructure, organising training camps, arranging coaches and ensuring participation in national tournaments and the result of which, the Nagaland Super League is one such initiative,” he added.
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• Secretary General of All India Football Federation, Anilkumar P and President of Inspire Institute of Sport, Manisha Malhotra, also addressed the gathering.
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• Earlier, Secretary General of NOA and Vice President, AFI, Abu Metha, delivered the introductory remarks.