Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 5 (EMN): Advisor of Youth Resources and Sports, Zale Neikha felicitated Mr. India silver medallist, Keneilelie Sorünuo at Hotel Japfu in Kohima on Saturday.
Appreciating him for bringing laurels to the state, Neikha said that Sorünuo’s dedication and determination should be a source of motivation to the youngsters.
“A lot of people blame the government. Nevertheless, to achieve a medal, it has to come from ones dedication and determination and Sorünuo showed the way,” he said.
There are many opportunities in sports disciplines, he added and informed the youngsters that the department is ready to extend support to the dedicated and determined sportsperson.
He also lamented that Nagas lack seriousness and consistency. “After getting an area level or district level champion, they tend to be comfortable with it. But, that is not the end, they have to go beyond and participate at the regional, national and even international level”, Neikha said.
The 26-year-old Keneilelie Sorünuo shared that he always wanted to be a body builder and began his journey after his graduation.
“It was a very tough journey for me. It took me two years for this competition (Mr. India championship)”, Sorünuo, who is into bodybuilding for the past two years, said.
In the recent 13th edition of ‘Mr. India Championship 2021’ by the Indian Body Builders Federation, where he stood second position, he shared that he was the lone representative from the state. However, the people’s support boosted his confidence, he stated.
Being in the profession, one has to sacrifice many things including food. “A lot of money are spend on food but we don’t enjoy (them) because it’s tasteless”, he said. But, there is “no turning back” for him. Sorünuo also said that body building is expensive and one has to invest a lot.
As for the body building profession scenario in Nagaland, he observed that there are less people but a lot of them are into fitness.
Sorünuo, who is based in Delhi, informed that his fitness journey started nearly ten years ago and that his family were supportive of his profession. He is currently a fitness coach.