It is sports galore in the second half of this year after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted normal life, especially outdoor activities since its outbreak in 2020. Just a few weeks after the curtains fell on the Commonwealth Games 2022, where India, especially Northeast, put up a good show, Nagaland successfully organised its second Olympic and Paralympic Games. One of the main highlights of the state’s biggest sporting event was the inclusion of para sports. It might not have received the kind of attention it deserved but it was no doubt a red letter day in the history of Nagaland sports, giving athletes with physical disabilities a platform to excel in the sporting arena. It is a much-needed step forward for the para sport movement, and the Nagaland Olympic Association did a good job by including it in the recently concluded sporting event. This should be the beginning of a fulfilling result. More disciplines should be introduced in the years to come; athletes provided proper training to enable them to compete at national and international events, and bring laurels to the state. Persons with physical disabilities should be given the opportunity to excel in sports.
Another highlight of the games was competitiveness and sporting spirit displayed by the athletes from various parts of the state. The impressive performance of Noklak, one of the newly recognised districts of the state that won 18 medals including eight gold, was an eye-opener, possibly pointing at a goldmine the state has been sitting on all these years. Sprinter Neiketuolie Belho, who created state record by clocking 10.74 seconds in the 100m sprint against the national record of 10.26 seconds, despite not undergoing any professional training, was another revelation. Coincidentally, in the just concluded Manipur Olympic Games 2022, hill districts that rarely make their presence felt in state’s sporting arena, partly due to lack of awareness and facilities, grabbed everyone’s attention this time by winning several medals mainly in athletics. It just goes to show the potential of uncharted rural areas producing champions, provided they are given the right platform, financial support and facilities. Implementation of Khelo India programme, which was initiated by the government of India to revive sports culture in India at the grassroots level, in rural areas can tap young talents. For now, the state governments should ensure that medal winners are given proper training and support for the upcoming 2nd North East Olympic Games 2022 and the 36th edition of National Games which will be held in the next three months. Failing to do so will prove costly for sports.