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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 27 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said the Northeast Olympic Games 2022 will be a launching pad and an opportunity for the sportspersons of the state to grow.
Speaking at a send-off programme for the Nagaland contingent participating in the second edition of NE Olympics in Kohima, he told the players that ‘discipline, dedication, and determination to become somebody’ has to be ingrained.
“Nagas are talented but do not maintain consistency,” he said, adding that sports is a full-time job and hardwork has to be put into it.
“Over the years, the state government and sports lovers have been coming together to develop sports infrastructure and are trying to take it to a higher level. But it needs a collective responsibility of all to achieve it,” he said.
The state will have new indoor stadiums in almost all the district headquarters and astroturf in all the districts, he informed.
However, he lamented that sports infrastructure and facilities created are not used properly and the public does not take care of the facilities.
“Nagas are very proud people but in sports, not many people are into discipline that involves risk,” Rio said and called upon them to venture into such games.
The Nagaland contingent will be leaving for Shillong on Nov. 8 to participate in 17 out of 18 disciplines (except swimming) in the NE Olympics.
About 305 players and officials from Nagaland are taking part in the tournament, scheduled from November 10 to the 16th in Shillong, Meghalaya.
The chief minister, who is also the president of Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), announced 'special incentives' of INR 50,000, INR 25,000, and INR 10,000 for gold, silver, and bronze medal winners respectively.
NOA secretary general, Abu Metha, told the players that getting to represent Nagaland is in itself an achievement but doing well in the Olympics would be the toughest. He urged them to give their best and get good results.
Ground zero, a short documentary brought out from the recently concluded Nagaland Olympic and Paralympic Games, was played during the programme to motivate the players.
Earlier, Kethoser Kevichusa encouraged the players and pronounced a prayer of blessing for the state contingent.
The players were selected from the recently held second edition of Nagaland Olympics and Paralympic Games 2022.