Nagaland CM Rio announces projects to promote ‘The beautiful
Nagaland CM Rio announces projects to promote ‘The beautiful game’
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.
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.
The chief minister made the announcement during the closing
ceremony of the first Nagaland Super League's grand finale, held at
Chümoukedima Football Stadium.
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.
The Chief Minister's Sports Scholarships will select young
talents for top football academies.
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.
“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.
“Moreover, INR 2 crore each per annum will be awarded to the
teams that qualify for the National I-League,” the chief minister said.
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.”
“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.”
“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.
NSL has set new standard in football — Patton
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.
“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.
Patton maintained that the state government under Chief
Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio has been doing its best in promoting sports of all
disciplines.
“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.
Secretary General of All India Football Federation,
Anilkumar P and President of Inspire Institute of Sport, Manisha Malhotra, also
addressed the gathering.
Earlier, Secretary General of NOA and Vice President, AFI,
Abu Metha, delivered the introductory remarks.
