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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 17 (EMN): Stating that it is time for Nagas to shine in sports, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio informed that the government is trying ‘every possible way’ to support the youth and sportspersons in the state and added that the world is competing against each other through games and sports.
Rio was speaking as the special guest at the ongoing 65th Kohima Village Sports Association (KVSA) meet organised by the Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO) at Khuochiezie local ground in Kohima on Monday.
Stating that Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted normal life, he recalled how business establishments, factories, educational institutions, transportation etc. were abruptly halted throughout the world.
Rio went on to state that after World War II, the world was shaken by the unprecedented pandemic with scores of lives lost, which also left many people infected by the virus.
Inspired by the lively and colourful marching contingents from the four khels of Kohima village, he stated that “youths are the hope of our future”. As such, he called upon the sportsmen and women to make strenuous efforts during the meet and give their best in front of the spectators.
At the same time, Rio reminded the participants to take sports seriously with an aim to soar higher from district to the state level and from the state to the national as well as the international arenas.
Saying that due to the prolonged Naga political issue, the state has been lacking far behind the neighbours in sports, he expressed hope and said that despite falling behind others, they can still nurture the talented youth and compete with others.
“The lack of a lasting peace in Nagaland, the disturbed area tag besides the lack of unity among the Nagas has impacted the games and sports including the economic front for many years”, he stated.
He informed that it was only in 2007, the state managed to participate in the National Games, where a “little improvement was witnessed though they didn't play very well”.
Rio said that among the Angamis, the people of Kohima village, the second biggest village in Asia, ‘are the luckiest and most blessed’.
Recalling the genesis of KVSA meet which began in 1944, he underlined the need to acknowledge the pioneers, whose wisdom and far-sighted vision, the sporting event is being held over the years to promote sportspersons.
Emphasising on the need to be competitive, he asked the players to set examples for the youths of other tribes to emulate.
Stressing on the need to maintain physical fitness and healthy food habits, Rio reminded the sportspersons to be disciplined, dedicated and determined in their activities to bring laurels and good name to themselves, the village and the state.
Despite Nagaland being the second senior most state in Northeast, the state is yet to host National Games, adding how Manipur and Assam had already hosted the games, he informed.
He therefore expressed hope that sportspersons would do better in their field with assistance from the government.
Ruokuoneituo Phewhuo, president of Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO), mentioning about the new SOPs, thanked the government and district task force for allowing them to conduct the event.
He asked the players to give their best in their respective disciplines and earn a good name for themselves, their parents as well as their clan. At the same time, he also encouraged all the members of the village to find new friendships in order to foster more unity and understanding.
Phewhuo, appealed to everyone to be mindful of the basic precautions against Covid-19 like using masks, social distancing and utilising hand sanitisers.
Highlights of the opening ceremony included KVSA meet torch relay, lifting of the cauldron, KVSA anthem, hoisting of the KVSA flag and oath taking by the contingents.
The Brass Band from St. Mary Higher Secondary School made a special appearance, while the traditional blessing was administered by Medo Keretsü, head GB of Kohima village.
Neingusalie Khruomo, convenor of KVSA meet core committee, informed that about 600 sportspersons consisting of 150 each from the four khels of Kohima village -- Pfuchatsumia (P), Lhisemia (L), Tsütuonuomia (T) and Dapfhütsumia (D) -- are vying for the championship titles in different disciplines.
On the opening day, basketball for men and volleyball for women commenced, while the U-16 Naga wrestling was held at Khuochiezie.
In wrestling, Kevisazolie Solo of T Khel received INR 15,000 as the champion, while Theguolhoulie Keyho from P Khel received INR 10,000 as the runner-up.
Kekuosetuo Rutsa of P Khel secured third position and received INR 7,000, while Thejasevor Kire of D Khel secured the fourth position and received INR 5,000.
On Tuesday, athletics will commence from 9 am, while chess will begin from 10:30 am and football at 1:30 pm in IG Stadium.