EMN
Wokha, August 9
Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) deputy speaker Er. Levi Rengma today graced the closing function of 37th Nagaland Inter District & State Open Badminton Championships here hosted by Wokha District Badminton Association. Speaking on the occasion, Er. Levi stated that the state government under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio chief minister of Nagaland was giving utmost effort to provide sports infrastructures and financial help to encourage the young boys and girls to achieve their dreams in the field of games and sports so that they can bring glory and honour to the state and the country.Er. Levi cited some of the infrastructure that has come up recently include; Indira Gandhi Stadium at Kohima, Cricket Academy at Sovima, Music Academy and various sports infrastructures across the state. Er. Levi also said that the state government has also instituted various merit certificates and cash awards to meritorious sports persons of the state for their achievements at the regional, national and international level.
“Sports is one activity where your parents or anyone cannot give you, it is only through your hard work and dedication that you can become a champion. Let us look at our self as a Naga, should we be proud or be embarrassed looking at our performance in the area of sports, in the history of our state, we have produced only two Olympians Dr. T. Ao in 1952 and Chekrovolu Swuro in 2012 after a gap of more than 60 years,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker said that there was a time when there was no facilities and privileges for the sports person, but today the government is providing all possible help and it is upto the young boys and girls to avail such opportunity being provided by the government. He said that the sports persons have a brighter future and better opportunities as both the state government and central government are providing plenty of opportunities and avenues to the sports persons by way of financial and material help and job reservations.
Earlier, the closing function was chaired by Khyobenthung. Observations and synopsis of the championships was given by C. Tinu Pongen, chief referee. Concluding remarks was given by Tali Jamir, vice president Nagaland Badminton Association.
