DIMAPUR — Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said on Sunday that, to promote sporting talent, the state government is currently constructing 15 futsal grounds and 15 pre-fabricated multi-discipline indoor sports stadiums across all districts.
Of these, he said, two multi-discipline indoor stadiums have already been completed, while 12 futsal grounds and 10 pre-fabricated stadiums are scheduled for completion this year, with the remaining facilities to be taken up subsequently.
He mentioned this while addressing the 62nd Statehood Day celebration at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza in Kohima.
Stating that there have been many sporting talents in the state, he noted that the overall medal tally in the Northeast Games increased from 79 in the second edition to 134 in the third edition, held in the state earlier this year.
He also highlighted that Nagaland became the first state in the country to send a footballer, Mecieve, to play professionally in Thailand.
Further, he stated that the Department of Youth Resources and Sports hosted the 68th National School Games (Sepak Takraw U-19 Girls Championship) under the patronage of the School Games Federation of India at IG Stadium, Kohima.
He also added that Nagaland will host the first Hornbill Esports Championship during the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival on December 6 and 7 at IG Stadium.