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An ariel view of the state's first astroturf football pitch at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima.[/caption]
Inaugurates Nagaland’s first astroturf football pitch at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 28 (EMN): Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio said the state government is working on a strategic sports infrastructure development plan whereby every district will have quality sport facilities. He stated it during the inauguration of the first astroturf football pitch in Nagaland, which coincided with the opening programme of the 20th inter-district Dr. T Ao football trophy at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
The chief minister said good infrastructure does not only mean facilities like grounds, stadiums, and academies but it also included quality human resources in the form of good coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, video analysts, nutritionists and so on. He was of the view that sportspersons need to be groomed from an early age with exposure and constant competition while their training and camps have to be driven by modern methods and new proven technologies.
"We cannot expect our sportspersons to return with medals and accolades without providing them with good infrastructure. I am hopeful that with the installation of this first astroturf (pitch), we will begin the process of sport development in regard to football in Nagaland", he added.
Understanding these aspects, Rio said the state government is working on a strategic sport infrastructure development plan whereby every district will have quality sport facilities. He also said the government has engaged proven sport consultants for an infrastructure development plan.
"To begin with, we are partnering with the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools for a game development plan beginning with young footballers. Under-16 footballers from all over the state will get the opportunity to be part of the programme which will include exposure events and junior leagues,” he stated.
Rio also remarked that as far as sport and football was concerned, the PDA government has taken concrete steps to bring back development of sport and games on track again through measures and initiatives like laying foundation stone for Dr. T Ao regional football academy; restoration of the Dr. T. Ao State Sport Awards; restoration of the Dr. T Ao Football Trophy; and introduction of Dr. T Ao Memorial Lecture, which will become an annual event.
Paying his respect to Dr. T Ao, the chief minister said the day was a special day as it was the 101st birth anniversary of one of the greatest sons of Nagaland, Dr. Talimeren Ao, who was the first Naga Olympian, India’s first football captain to the Olympic Games and a legendary figure in Indian sport. He also mentioned that Dr. T Ao was a towering figure who inspired a nation.
"Today, we have instituted several initiatives under Dr. T Ao's name and memory because we want to not only pay our respect and homage but also use his name and achievements to inspire the younger generations. We should all be proud of him and at the same time we should strive to emulate the standards set by him,” the chief minister said.
Rio also appealed to all sportspersons of the state to re-dedicate oneself towards reaching the highest standard. On our part, we will do all that is possible to support and promote, he assured.
He also appealed to the sport associations and federations to play a more proactive role so that collectively they can work together for the good and the future of the state’s sportspersons.
Advisor to Youth Resources and Sport, Zale Neikha in his speech, expressed gratitude to the chief minister whom he described as the key figure behind the installation of the first astroturf football pitch in the state. He also said that the department was on a war footing to install floodlights in the stadium and furnishing it with necessary facilities to make the stadium suitable to host national games in the near future.
According to technical report, the project was conceived in the year 2013-14 with its total cost earmarked at INR 498 lakh; to be completed in two years’ time—which could not be achieved due to lack of funds.
However, the report stated that under the directive of the chief minister and the PDA government, the department received the remaining fund of INR 213 lakh under development expenditure (additional) in the year 2018.
The project was conceived with an aim to provide a standard football playing field, which can host both national and international matches. The Astroturf pitch has been installed following the specifications and norms of FIFA guidelines; and the size of the playing field stands at 105x66 metres, which is the FIFA-approved size and according to the company (Decor), the best stadium in the country.
The work involved preparation of base course with drainage systems and installation of the astroturf, which includes filling with silica sand and rubber granules. Except for the silica sands, all the other components were imported from the USA.
Speaking with Eastern Mirror, the administrator in charge of IG stadium, Yanbemo Humtsoe said certain modalities have been presented by the Youth Resources and Sport department to the state government regarding the maintenance and rental of the new astroturf football pitch.
According to him, the department has presented a proposal to the state government to rent the football pitch to the public for a stipulated amount, and the monetary returns be utilised for the maintenance of the football pitch.
He also said that the department is on a war footing to install the high mast lights at Indira Gandhi Stadium by the month of March as Nagaland Football Association (NFA) is planning to host day and night matches during the upcoming Dr. T Ao interstate championship tournament slated later this year.
