Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Aug. 16: Barely 24 hours after Dr. T Ao Sports Award was given away to sportspersons of the state in recognition of their contribution in the field of sports, resentment has been raised against the selection committee for not including persons from football.
Addressing media persons this afternoon, coach of Nagaland State Sports Academy, Mughato Aye has expressed disappointment over the process in selection of nominees for the award.
While congratulations the three coaches for winning the award, Mughato however pointed out that Dr. T Ao, being a footballer, the award should at least be conferred to someone from the football category.
Recipient of the 2015 Governor’s Gold Medal, Mughato said that he was one of the highest award winners in the state and that he deserved to get the award. Also mentioning that he had won the best coach awards in the state even at the national and international level, Mughato wondered what were the criteria required by the selection committee for the Dr. T Ao Sports Award.
Mughato Aye has already produced three I-League players and one Indian Super League player, including 12 players who represented Indian team in various categories under his guidance. Aye has also led a national team to Bangkok and South Korea as a head coach in 2007 and 2015 respectively.
In 2015, he was awarded the Team Coach award in South Korea. The same year, he was awarded with the Governor’s medal in the state. Aye is also the only person from sports’ department to be included in the NBSE syllabus in higher secondary level.
Gaon Bura of Midland colony, Dimapur, Khehuto Zhimomi, also voiced out his disapproval against the award selection committee stating that he strongly condemned their decision. “Justice was not done,” he stated. Zhimomi expressed appreciation to Mughato Aye for sacrificing his time for the development of football in the state.
Advisor of Nagaland Kickboxing Association, Akihito, also expressed disappointment stating that the award was given without going through proper channel.
While questioning the wisdom of the selection committee, Akihito asserted that their duty was to encourage persons who have done the state proud and not to discourage them. Akihito maintained that Mughato Aye has contributed immensely for the state and the country and added that justice was not served to him.
Mughato Aye opined that selection should be based on achievements and on seniority.
The football coach further mentioned that because of manipulations, coaches and players are discouraged in the state. “Look at Manipur and Mizoram, they are transparent in these matters and that translate into their rise in the national scene,” he accentuated.
It may be mentioned that Dr. T Ao Sports Award was conferred on Sepaktakraw coach Holshe Khrie-o; archery coach Hunezo Thisa; athletics coach Khriehutuo Tsira; and sports administrator I Bendang at Raj Bhavan, Kohima, on August 15.
