Suggests state government to ‘establish a new stadium altogether’ in honour of the Olympian Dr. T Ao
Dimapur, March 28 (EMN): In a fresh twist to the state government’s decision to rename the Indira Gandhi stadium in Kohima after Naga Olympian Dr. T Ao, the Kohima village council has expressed surprise while terming it ‘not advisable.’
The council issued a press release on Sunday expressing its objection to the move. It stated that the council was ‘delighted’ to observe that games and sports was finally getting the recognition and attention it deserves.
“It is indeed encouraging to see that the new government is bringing positive changes in the fields of games and sports by introducing new Nagaland sports policy, Dr. T Ao Football Academy etc. However, the council is of the opinion that changing the name of Indira Gandhi Stadium to Dr. T Ao Stadium is not advisable.
“Because there are other ways to honour someone without dishonouring the other,” it reasoned while pointing out that Indira Gandhi was once the prime minister of India. Another prime minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi, had ‘laid down the foundation stone’ of said stadium on October 6, 1987, it reminded.
The IG stadium, it informed, was inaugurated on October 28, 2003 by another prime minister of India, Atal Behari Vajpayee. “The foundation stone, inaugural stone are laid prominently at the entrance of the gallery for all to see. To destroy these historical monoliths physically is not a wise decision.
“Therefore we are surprised that the government has suddenly decided to do away with the legacy of these former prime ministers without consultation with the stakeholders, land owners and public leaders,” the statement read.
According to the council, if the government wishes to honour Dr. T Ao, it should establish ‘a new stadium altogether elsewhere and not show disrespect to the country’s prime ministers.’ As such, it stated, the government must ‘maintain status quo with regard to Indira Gandhi stadium.’
