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The department representatives seen during the oath taking ceremony at inaugural function of the Dimapur district inter-departmental sports meet on Wed. Nov. 21. (EM Images)[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Nov. 21: The Dimapur district inter-departmental sports meet got underway at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Government Higher Secondary School at Nagarjan on Wed. Nov. 21 with deputy speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Zhaleo Rio as the special guest. Rio spoke about the importance of physical activities in an individual’s life, particularly that of government employees. He was of the view that sports should be able to channelise the potentials and talents of the employees for physical fitness and mental health. “Physical fitness of the employees should outshine others,” he added
During the 70’s and 80’s, a lot of inter-departmental activities including games and sports were in trend. He recounted 80’s memories; when, the Nagas were sports enthusiasts and departments goes to an extent of appointing new employees in order have a strong team against its competitors.
According to Rio, sports are “very good” education and believed that such inter-departmental will grow from strength-to-strength. He congratulated the sincere and hard working employees during the event. Rio also reminded that as government servant, “We are paid to serve the people,” and encouraged them to give their best of service. Dimapur is a unique district with a mixture of different people. He hoped for citizens of the city to work for the betterment of the society.
Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur Sushil Kumar Patel in his welcome address mentioned that this time around the turn up of the participants is “interesting,” comparing to last few years. Patel, who is also the chairman of Dimapur District Sports Council and the organiser of the sports meet wished best to all participants.
President of Dimapur District Badminton Association, Vikugha Chophi said that sports should not be taken just as a recreational purpose or physical activity, but as a sheer of moral responsibility by promoting it. He believed that through this departmental game, it will encourage youngsters towards the field.
Engineer Chirhotho Rasutho, president of Dimapur District Table Tennis Association spoke about the advantages of playing tennis and encourages participants to play the game. He was of the view that this indoor game is beneficial for personal wellbeing as well as exercises the mind.
The three-day sports meet include both the outdoor and indoor games, such as, football, badminton, table tennis, carom, race and tug of war. The event will conclude on Nov. 23.
