KOHIMA — The
Nagaland Football Association (NFA) conducted its Annual General Body Meeting
on Thursday at the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) office in Kohima.
The meeting had Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of
Nagaland, secretary general of the Nagaland Olympic Association, and chairman
of IDAN, as the special guest.
Addressing the event, Abu Metha stated that the NFA is one
of the most active and best-performing associations under the NOA, describing
it as a strong pillar.
Highlighting that football is the most popular sport in the
world and a unifying force for people globally, Metha noted that the FIFA World
Cup brings the entire human race under one banner. He also reflected on the
history of football played by humanity and pointed out that the sport is not
only a game but has also been used for political purposes.
He asserted that, with the support of Chief Minister Neiphiu
Rio, NFA and NOA have strategically planned a league. He stated that football
would no longer be played merely as a hobby or form of recreation but would be
elevated to a professional level, transforming it into an industry and creating
an ecosystem that strengthens the foundation of the sport.
Metha stated that India is a rising power in sports and
noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced plans for India to bid to
host the Olympic Games in 2036.
Discussing the introduction of the Nagaland Super League,
Metha expressed optimism that it would create opportunities beyond playing,
including employment as coaches, managers, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and
specialists in health and conditioning, among other roles.
He emphasised the need to adopt a scientific approach to ensure
success, incorporating science into every aspect, including health and
conditioning, biomechanics, physical development, and bone structure, among
others.
He highlighted the importance of recognising that Nagas have
the potential to excel in combat sports, warranting focused attention on such
disciplines. At the same time, he emphasised that football is a sport that
cannot be neglected.
He pointed out that the players are highly talented and
noted that the government is providing Astroturf grounds in every district,
along with Futsal facilities. He projected that within the next 10 years, the
state would emerge as a football superpower and contribute a significant number
of players to the Indian team.
Metha also emphasised the need to have more women in sports
leadership and administrative roles, alongside their participation as players.
He envisioned Northeast India becoming an epicentre of Indian football, noting
its significant growth and emergence in recent years.
In his presidential address, K Neibou Sekhose announced that
the association has proposed the much-anticipated Nagaland Super League (NSL)
to be held from January 25 to March 25, 2025, with eight franchises competing
for the championship.
He stated that the Nagaland Super League aims to promote
football at both the grassroots and professional levels, providing a platform
to nurture talent, support players, and elevate the sport to make football a
viable career option for the youth in Nagaland.
He informed that eight franchises from Nagaland would
compete for the coveted title over a span of one and a half months.
The prize
money for the league is set at INR 20 lakhs for the champion and INR 16 lakhs
for the runner-up.
Kethosituo Sekhose, director of Youth Resources and Sports,
Nagaland, in his speech, stressed the need to create professionalism in the
field of sports. He also assured the department's support in developing and
nurturing sports in the state.
