Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 14 (EMN): Advisor of Youth Resources and Sports, Zale Neikha, informed that a Khelo India State Centre of Excellence has been established at Indira Gandhi (IG) Stadium to promote disciplines like wrestling, boxing and archery with world class training for the sportspersons in these fields.
He was speaking at the opening ceremony of Angami Sports Association (ASA) meet at IG stadium in Kohima on Monday.
Stating that the CM of Nagaland has keen interest to promote youngsters in the field of sports, he informed that Nagaland Mini Olympic would be conducted this year if the situation is favourable.
Mentioning that Abu Metha, advisor to Chief Minister of Nagaland and associate vice president of Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is also eager to promote those who are good in athletics, Neikha asked the sportspersons to be more responsible as there are opportunities ahead.
Reminding that youngsters should no longer engage in sporting events as a form of "passing time", he recommended sports as a profession.
Asserting that sportsmen and women from Nagaland are lagging behind their counterparts, the adviser questioned whether or not the parents were supporting and encouraging their children to actively take part in sports as their education.
"If you are gifted in sports, you should give more time to nurture your talents," Neikha said.
He likened the field of games and sports to that of studies where youngsters need to give time and dedication to improve and build up. "You have to do your own assignment even in sports just like in your studies," he added.
Reminding that nobody becomes a "star" in a matter of a short time, he asked sportspersons to achieve greater heights and be determined to compete at a higher arena and platform and not just be complacent with what they have accomplished so far.
He said that many a time people lay the blame on the government for the failure in sports but competitors must also do their part, expressing happiness that sportspersons in the state have improved and become more disciplined over the years.
Scores of contingents from the four units of ASA-- Northern Angami Sports Association (Nasa), Southern Angami Sports Association (Sasa), Western Angami Sports Association (Wayo) and Chakhroma Youth Organisation (CYO) -- are taking part in the week-long meet.
Athletic events marked day-one of the sports meet at IG Stadium on Monday.
At the end of the day-one events, Nasa is leading the medal tally with six gold, eight silver and five bronze, while Sasa are in the second spot with four gold, one silver, three bronze.
CYO are placed in the third position after managing to fetch a silver during the day, while Wayo, which is yet to open their medal account, is at the bottom.
In men's 400m race, Neiketoulie Belho, Neneitseizo Belho, Seyievizo Kire and Meguozotuo Solo from Nasa emerged in first position, while Dupisa Ducho, Medovito Sale, Vikehiezo Mejura and Kevitho Neikho from Sasa finished in the second.
Abeino Neihu, Neivotsono Chuse, Alivino Chuse and Kevisavino Mejura from Sasa emerged the winners in the women's category, while Vitsitono Sophi, Kelelhouno Chücha, Thepfulhousano Theyo and Thejanguno Kehie from CYO stood in second position.
In the 1500m race (men), Tsolie Yhokha of Sasa bagged first position, while Kevise Belho (Nasa) and Thejakhrielie Mechülho (Nasa) stood second and third position respectively. In the women's event, Khriezelhounuo Keyho (Nasa) emerged in first position, while Ruokuosanuo Kire (Nasa) and Kerihonu Valeo of Sasa bagged second and third.
Neiketoulie Belho (Nasa), Mhasiletuo Yhome (Nasa) and Medovito Sale of Sasa emerged first, second and third in men's long jump, while Abeino Neihu of Sasa, Pelevonuo Zhale (Nasa) and Neikethonuo Mepfuo (Nasa) bagged first, second and third in the women's event.
In the men's shot put, Seyiekhrietuo Yiese, Kezhaseluo-o Pienyu and Keviser Dzüvichü stood first, second and third. All the three winners represented Nasa. In the women's category, Khriesiesanuo Whuorie, Kelhousenuo Khruomo and Luolakhonuo Ciesotsu bagged first, second and third. All the participants also represented Nasa in the women's event.
In the triple jump for men, Vikiehiezo Mejura of Sasa, Mhasiletuo Yhome (Nasa) and Kevirüduo Dzüvichü (Nasa) claimed first, second and third. In the women's event, Kelhousinuo Soriinuo (Nasa), Kevineinuo Khro (Nasa) and Seyiekhrietuo Tepa (Sasa) emerged first, second and third.
Shedesü Thami from Sasa and Menuovolie Chüpuo of Nasa stood first and second respectively in bamboo stilt walk.
In folk tune, representatives from Wayo performed at the inaugural programme during the day. The remaining performances from the other three units will take place in the upcoming events after which the result of the winners will be declared.
The remaining athletic events will continue on Tuesday starting from 9 am onwards at IG Stadium.
Earlier, during the inaugural ceremony, 50 female flag bearers in traditional attires including the colourful contingents from the four regions of Angami marched in as the ASA flag was unfurled.
Medoneituo Sekhose from Nasa and Abeino Neihu of Sasa lighted the tournament flame.