Our Reporter
Dimapur, Jan. 27 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated a ‘Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence’ at Sovima, Chümoukedima district on Thursday.
Rio inaugurated four sporting complexes under the Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence -- Regional Shooting Centre, Regional Archery Academy, Regional Motorsports Centre and Futsal Centre.
Speaking on the occasion, Rio said that he was humbled by how far they had come.
He said they have a vision and dream for the people and when he took over as chief minister of Nagaland in 2003, the government declared it as the year of the youth to promote sports, music and art.
Rio mentioned that when the foundation for the cricket stadium was laid by former Agriculture minister of India, Sharad Pawar, it was still a dream and they did not know they could reach this position today.
He recalled that Nagaland got statehood in 1963, but only after 41 years, Nagaland could be affiliated to the Indian Olympic Association and in the first year of participation, the state won 11 medals.
However, Nagas have many problems such as Naga political issues, insurgency and divisions among the Nagas, and ‘as a result they could not focus on the youth’ and were unable to provide the right platform and opportunity to excel.
Rio added that from time immemorial, Nagas were known for their physical fitness and love for sports through traditional and indigenous games.
‘However, in today’s modern world, indigenous method of competition is gone. And now to compete in these extremely competitive games, one has to learn the method, formula and scientific approach to the game and for that one needs to have facilities and provide opportunities with coaching camps and promote the youth,’ he said.
Rio added that today’s game is no more for pleasure or hobby, ‘it a game of competition and when a person is conscious of games and sports, one needs to remain healthy, physically fit, mentally sound and must have a sense of empowerment, only then can one compete.’
The chief minister added that sportspersons have to be disciplined, committed and must have determination to excel.
“Therefore, with these new facilities created; the youth must take full opportunity and utilise the facilities with dedication and bring laurels to themselves, community and the country,” he said.
General Secretary of Nagaland Olympic Association and President of Federation of Adventure and Motor Sports Association of North East India, Abu Metha said that it was the vision and mandate of the chief minister of Nagaland that made the facilities possible.
Metha added that bringing several sports facilities under a consolidated area was the vision of the chief minister and the cooperation extended by the citizens of Sovima village ensured that these facilities are today a reality.
He added that the world is going towards consolidated sports facilities in one area and in future, it could hold multi-disciplinary sports events.
“It is this facility that would create opportunities and platforms for young sports persons to bring laurels not only for Nagaland but for the country in the years to come,” he said.
Former India football captain, Bhaichung Bhutia said that it is important for any government to invest in youth and when invested, sports is the best medium to bring upliftment which benefits everyone.
Bhutia said that Nagaland has a great legacy in sports, especially in football and when they speak about Nagaland and Northeast, the entire people of the country recognise northeast as a sporting region.
The former India football captain also opined that the only thing that needs to be changed about sports in India is the ‘mentality of sports, as it is not only about making money but it is always about living healthy’.
Bhutia added that infrastructure is important but the ‘interest towards sports is very important’ and encouraged the youth to play sports.
On the occasion, short speeches were also delivered by Deputy General of Police, T John Longkumer, FIA Asia Pacific Rally Champion, Gaurav Gill and Sovima Village Council Chairman, Sebastian Zumvü.