Zeliang underscore the need to change existing sports policy

February 18, 2024 18 Views No Comment

•    Revisit parameters for accommodating sportsperson in govt jobs
•    A comprehensive sports policy with involvement of tribal orgs
•    Equal importance be given for employment through sports quota

Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | February 18

Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang on Saturday expressed that with change of time there is a need to change or modify the existing policies on sports in the state. He said a clear comprehensive sports policy by revamping the existing policy is being envisaged by the state government for implementation in the near future.

Addressing the closing function of the 3rd Nagaland Olympic & Paralympic Games 2024 under the theme, ‘Stronger Together’ as honored guest, Zeliang cited an instance, pointing out that the parameters for accommodating sportsperson in government jobs in the state must be revisited because many of the youngsters who are doing well in various sports disciplines end up unemployed once they cross their prime age.

“More so, there are sportsperson who have participated at National and International level but when it comes to employment based on sports quota, there is no clear cut opportunity for them,” he added.

The Dy CM also felt that there must be a comprehensive sport policy influenced by a range of actors, including not only the state government but inclusive of intergovernmental agencies, as well as local communities and grassroots organisations like the respective tribal sports organisations which is present within every Naga community.

“Apart from sports infrastructure development, we have to give equal importance to employment of sportsperson through sports quota, building competition structure, sports science and equipment, as well as support to sports bodies geared towards achieving sporting excellence not only within the state but at National and International levels,” Zeliang underscored.

Towards this end, Zeliang espoused hope that the state government under Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio who is also the president of the Nagaland Olympic Association, will bring in the much-needed changes as much as possible.

Meanwhile, the Dy CM reminisced over the 1st Nagaland Olympics held from December 13-19, 2017 in Dimapur during his tenure as the Chief Minister. He termed it as a big step forward with the state government funding Rs 3 crores for the event. A total of 1,380 athletes from the 11 districts of Nagaland had competed in 12 sports disciplines that year.

Since then, the NOA has made continued progress and this year, at the 3rd Nagaland Olympic & Paralympic Games, more than 4000 athletes from the 16 districts of the state participated, Zeliang said while emphasizing that, “this is a sign of remarkable growth and progress in the field of sports.”