Dimapur, March 25 (EMN): Congratulating Nagaland on hosting the South Asian Cross-Country Championship (SACCC) and 56th National Cross Country Championships (NCCC), organised under the aegis of South Asian Athletics Federation and the Athletics Federation of India at Kohima, Prime Minister Modi wished success to all the athletes.
Modi said that sports is an integral aspect of personality development, as it promotes physical endurance, mental toughness, and inculcates qualities of sportsmanship, team spirit, discipline, and hard-work among youngsters, an update informed.
He stated that the Central government is trying to take sports to the pinnacle of success in India, by recognising talents all across the country and giving them all the necessary support, from increasing the sports budget to enhancing encouragement and awards for the players.
He added that talents are emerging from the rural areas, backward classes, as well as the tribal society is making the nation proud. According to him, the Cross country Championships are an opportunity for national and international athletes to engage in healthy competition, as well as learn about each other's nation, society, culture, and customs to strengthen bonds of friendship and brotherhood.
It may be mentioned that the championships will be held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima with more than 600 athletes from all the AFI affiliated states and union territories of India and South Asian countries.
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also extended his best wishes to Nagaland as it prepares to host its first international-level sporting event.
In a message by Sarma, shared by Nagaland Athletics Association through Twitter, he wrote, "It is a matter of great pride and honour that India is hosting such a prestigious athletics meet."
"North-East region is increasingly getting into the limelight as a top sports centre in the country and hosting of South Asian Cross Country Championship by Nagaland is another testimony to the fact, Sarma added.
He said the Championship will provide aspiring players from the region to watch top athletes from the South Asian countries in action and will inspire the youth to take up sports. (With inputs from IANS)