Our Correspondent
Pfutsero, Oct. 20 (EMN): Nagaland Minister for Planning and Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu, on Wednesday said that the state government is serious about promoting sports and sportspersons.
‘Nagaland has not been able to perform well in sports unlike neighbouring states. In this regard, the state government led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is also the president of Nagaland Olympic Association is "very serious" about promoting sports and sportspersons of the state’, Kronu said.
Sports have become a lucrative avenue to gain fame and also earn a decent living, he said while addressing the 5th edition of inter-ward tournament organised by Pfutsero Town Sports Association (PTSA) on the theme “Positivity always wins”, which got underway at Pfutsero Sports Complex on Wednesday.
‘Sportspersons are highly respected persons and as sports persons, one has to respect oneself by controlling diet and avoiding abusive substances’, the minister advised.
He said that Naga people lacked professionalism particularly in sports.
‘Nagas display very good sporting skills during local tournaments but become overconfident with their achievements. They tend to think that it is the end of their career without focusing on moving toward higher levels of competitions’, he observed and called upon the players to keep the sportsmanship spirit.
Meanwhile, the Minister also announced that a proposal has been made for construction of a new Astroturf football ground for Pfutsero.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Pfutsero, Japheth Woch, urged all to follow Covid appropriate behaviour.
‘Nagas are very enthusiastic about sports but the level is still far lower than other states’, he said, adding that the state government was working hard to promote young sportspersons to achieve higher goals at the national and international levels.
PTSA President Kekhrozulo Ritse said that the association wants to send a message to the community to recognise opportunities, ‘take charge of negative thoughts, focus on good things to overcome the challenges and obstacles which are part and parcel of our lives’.
Altogether, teams from the 11 wards of Pfutsero Town will be competing in the tournament, which will culminate on October 23.