Long-term plan to develop sports — Rio

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 28 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday announced that the Nagaland government in collaboration with the Nagaland Olympic Association, the government of India and the Indian Olympic Association is formulating a comprehensive long-term game plan to develop sports in the state.

He was addressing the closing ceremony, and the final match of the 9th edition of North East Dr. T Ao Trophy, at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima on January 28.

Rio began his speech, with salutations and said, "I bring you greetings and best wishes on the occasion of the closing ceremony of the North East Dr. T Ao Trophy and also on the occasion of the onset of a new decade, 2020."

The chief minister, who first conceptualised the trophy and brought the eight north-eastern states to one sporting platform, stated: "Dr. Talimeren Ao was India’s first-ever captain of the Indian football team at the Olympic games. In the 1948 London Olympic games, when he led team India into the arena, he etched his name in the annals of India sport."

Further, the chief minister said, "He (Dr. T Ao) remains one of the greatest sons of Nagaland and a legendary figure who will inspire every generation. He was a champion, a nation builder and an icon who proved that no dream is impossible if one truly desires."

Rio also congratulated all the nodal departments for their effort in making the 2020 edition a grand success.

He also extended his appreciation to all the participants and to all his north-eastern chief ministers for sending their teams to participate in the event.

"This championship has once again exemplified the fraternity of the north-eastern states and I hope that we will continue to build our bonds of friendship under a spirit of unity and mutual coexistence so that together we can rise," said Rio.

The chief minister also thanked and congratulated sports lovers and football fans who had came out in thousands to support, not just the teams but also the championship as a whole. "The success of this event is because of the positive support of the people of Nagaland."

Further, he said, "We assure you that in the not very far future we hope to not only produce champions but also host national and international events and championships here in Nagaland."

The chief minister further appealed to all sections and stakeholders to work together as a cohesive unit, stating that each citizen is a member of team Nagaland.