Govt committed to create more sports infrastructure: Rio

January 18, 2022 83 Views No Comment

INAUGURATES 65TH KVSA MEET 2022

Correspondent Kohima, JAN 18 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday asserted that the state government was committed and focused on creating more sports infrastructure in the state.

Speaking as a special guest at the 65th Kohima Village Sports Association (KVSA) Meet, 2022 at Khuochiezie (local ground) here on Monday morning, Rio expressed happiness over the turnout of youth in large numbers at the meet.

Rio said he felt encouraged and called upon the participants to play excel both for themselves and their khels and try to represent the State and country subsequently.

Stressing that Nagaland needed to catch up with neighbouring States, he mentioned that sports had contributed immensely to overall progress of States like Assam, Manipur and Mizoram.

Referring to the lapse of 41 years in Nagaland Olympic Association getting affiliated to Indian Olympic Association, the chief minister reckoned that this was one reason why the State had lagged behind others.

He expressed the confidence that better days were in store for the State and the youth would excel in all areas, especially in games and sports.

As Kohima village was the second biggest village in Asia, he said it should set good examples for rest of the State to emulate.

He cited sources to mention that Kohima village khels came together in 1944 and hosted wrestling meet the following year.

The chief minister urged the players to be disciplined, diet conscious, avoid alcohol and drugs if they wanted to be the best in the chosen field.

Noting that it was high time for Nagaland to host the National Games, Rio revealed that the State Government putting up required infrastructure for the purpose.

But he emphasised grooming local talents to help the State win medals, if it were to host the event.

He also urged the people to be positive even though the State was going through various challenges. Wishing everyone a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year, he further wished the meet a grand success.

Rio also cautioned people against lowering their guard against Covid-19 as the pandemic was not over yet.

He said new guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) were being issued by World Health Organisation (WHO) and by the Central and State governments to ensure safety of the people from the virus.

He observed that the virus had affected the people in many ways in the past two years, leading to disruption in normal activities like travelling, sports and education with the youth being the most affected.

With the rise in cases of new Covid variant, he pointed out that new restrictions were again put into place and urged everyone to take the virus seriously.

The meet began with a prelude at Thevokemouzie where the first KVSA wrestling meet was held. This was followed with a parade by contingents from four khels– Tsütuonuomia, Dapfhütsumia, Pfuchatsumia and Lhisemia.

The programme was chaired by organising committee convener Neingusalie Khruomo, while Kohima Village Youth Organisation president Ruokuoneituo Phewhuo delivered the welcome address, Kohima Village Council chairman Helievio Solo conveyed greetings and traditional blessings were offered by Kohima village head GB Medo Keretsü.
A special appearance was made by brass band of St Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Kohima.

The six-day meet will be held at Khuochiezie, IG Stadium and State Indoor Stadium, Kohima.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/govt-committed-to-create-more-sports-infrastructure-rio/248639.html