Share
As the third edition of the Khelo India Youth Games 2020 held at Guwahati in Assam concluded on Wednesday with pomp and ceremony, there were four states that did not find tally in the list of medals that were awarded during the games. Nagaland was one of the four states. This does not reflect on Naga sportsmen and sportswomen who competed in the disciplines of archery, javelin, 3000 m race, and wrestling—they made us proud with their dedication and spirit. Rather, the tally highlights a deeply troublesome issue within the Naga society. It depicts a society that is lacking in the joy of playing sports. Our lack of dedication is evident in the fact that we did not participate in even half of the disciplines that took place at the sporting event. We did not support or encourage more youths to train and participate in the games. We allowed them to let opportunity pass by them.
The importance of sports and sportsmanship cannot be understated. Sports provide children a platform to gain much more than physical fitness. It teaches passion, discipline, resourcefulness, teamwork, stress tolerance, and helps them formulate social skills by helping them with their personality and by building their confidence. It is time we look at sports with a fresh eye and view it not just as a hobby or extracurricular activities but as a pursuit that demands professional mettle and dedication. It is no mean feat to excel as a sportsman or sportswoman. One needs the right temperament, discipline, patience and perseverance. Only then can one be a true professional. It is easy to always rely on and blame the government for lack of infrastructure which is undeniably important. But the commitment and desire to pursue sports have to first begin from the individual.
Let us emulate Jonathan Rongsen, the Nagaland cricket team captain who on the 22nd of January 2020 created history becoming the first batsman from Nagaland as well as the Northeast region to score a double century. Let us celebrate the zealous Naga footballers scoring goals left, right and center at the ongoing Northeast Dr. T Ao Trophy in Kohima. Let us cheer champions Abao Virie and Kikruvilie Zumu as they continue to wrestle naysayers. Let us encourage more sharpshooters aiming to follow archery champion Nikesa Sakhrie. Some of our greatest memories are afforded by sports or by simply playing games outside and it is crucial that we instil the love of sports in the future Naga generations. Now it is time to wake up from our slumber. Sports are here to stay.