Kohima: Inaugurating the office complex of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) in Kohima on Saturday evening, CM Neiphiu Rio said the state government is conscious about developing sports in the state.
As Nagaland is a disturbed area under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the state is struggling economically, Rio said. Despite being a resource crunch state, with not much support from the Centre to promote sports in the state, he said that the Nagaland government is doing its best to promote sports.
The chief minister said that despite economic hurdles, the government is prioritising investing in promoting sports in the state. “We are investing because we have hope in our youth,” he said.
Rio, also the NOA president, urged Naga youth to take advantage of the facilities to progress in sports.
He informed that the new office complex in Nagaland is a six-storey building with amenities for all sports disciplines. The building is equipped with conference rooms, seminar rooms, provision for a full-fledged gym, library, including a separate cell for Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
He advised the 22 affiliated sports organisations under NOA to take up the challenge of producing good sportspersons from the state.
While sharing that the state desires to host regional Olympic and national games, he said Nagaland is not in a position to host such games. “To have the courage to bid, we need to discuss the medal prospect,” he said, adding that it would be an embarrassment if the state hosted a national game and the players don’t win any medals.
Even as Naga sportspersons have the talents and potential, he said that it is the lack of discipline and consistency that holds back the youth from progressing in life.
Abu Metha, NOA Secretary-General and Associate vice president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), said that Nagaland Olympic have come a long way and has achieved another milestone with the inauguration of the sports complex.
As sports unify and exemplify the growth of a society, he said that the NOA is committed to reflecting the aspirations and ambitions of sportspersons in the state.
Narinder Druv Batra, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and International Hockey Federation (IHF), expressed delight over the inauguration of the first Olympic office in the North East region.
Rio said four state hockey players: two males and two females, will be selected to witness the Commonwealth games and the Asian games, with the hope of helping them witness and learn from the international level games.
Pointing out that Nagaland has natural talents in archery and wrestling, he assured to assist in the progress of the sports, urging the need to produce Olympians from the state.
Adille Sumariwala, vice president IOA and president AFI, in a short address, said that Nagaland is showing great interest in developing sports. He acknowledged how the state Athletic body has provided training and coaching to sportspersons and trainers, creating an ecosystem for the growth of sports.
With regard to the South Asian Athletic Federation (SAAF) cross country race to be hosted by Nagaland, he said that a new date will soon be announced when the Centre gives a permit. The event, which was to be held on January 15 is delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Nagaland CM took to Twitter saying “Inaugurated @NagalandOlympic office complex. It will enable better coordination between the NOA and different sports associations and also facilitate better management of sports activities in the state. Grateful to our honoured guests for gracing us with their presence.”
Also read: CM inaugurates Nagaland Olympic Association office complex