Changing the Game: Infrastructure, grassroots vital for Nagaland’s sporting future

March 31, 2024 30 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 31

Infrastructure development is imperative to propel Nagaland forward in the field of sports. This was the overwhelming suggestion from The Morung Express readers when asked to share practical steps the Nagaland Government could take to further develop sports in the State in the backdrop of recent hosting of 3rd North East Games (NEG) 2024.

Besides, a dedicated sports department, coaches, fair selection, etc., were some of the suggestions received. Many readers called for the construction and upgrade of sports facilities, including stadiums, training centres, and multi-sport complexes.
“It is high time for the Nagaland government to make a standard indoor basketball court as there is no public court in Nagaland. Basketball courts usually belong to schools or colleges,” a reader noted.

Another pointed out that the present sports infrastructure of Nagaland is not even comparable to Diphu, a far-flung district of Assam, attributing it to the “misuse” of funds.

“Nagaland has plenty of sporting talents but lacks infrastructure to mould them and tournaments to tap talents and create opportunities for sportspeople to showcase their talent,” another added.

Completion of existing incomplete structures was also a common suggestion, with the Dimapur stadium as a case in point. “Chup chap stadium complete kuribi.”

A recurring theme was the need for a separate department solely focused on sports development, as opposed to the current structure under the Department of Youth Resources and Sports.

Meanwhile, provision of specialised coaching and training programmes for athletes in various sports was also suggested by many.

“Nurture and mentor young talents by real professionals in multidisciplinary fields of games and sports with the requisite infrastructure with decadal and plan vision,” advised another reader.

Need for more professional coaches
Likewise, there was an opinion that the Nagaland team would have secured more medals in the NEG 2024 if the players had better coaches.

“When we talk about sports, it is not just about raw talent and grooming them to become professional players. We Nagas are very emotional people and lack objectivity. We have also become very undisciplined. This is where the sports management and coaches become necessary. Our Naga sportspersons need to have discipline and focus. We need consistency,” commented a reader.

Integration of sports was also another popular suggestion, with a call for embedding sports within school and college curricula.
“Such initiatives align with the spirit of the National Education Policy 2020, fostering a generation equipped for both academic and athletic excellence,” a reader noted.

Others called for sports being a mandatory subject in educational institutions as well as tying up with them and giving grants-in-aid every financial year to build sports infrastructure. In this connection, the dire need for sports academies was also highlighted.

Several readers emphasised the importance of promoting sports at the grassroots level – at school and community levels to identify and nurture young talent.

“The State needs to reach grassroots levels and open sports to the general public with good publicity so that all can have a chance to join,” a reader noted.

Allegations of nepotism and tribalism in team selection were also highlighted, with readers calling for a transparent and merit-based system alongside better financial support and scholarships for athletes.

“We continue to see how coaches decide the composition of the team. If the coach belongs to tribe A, there is a tendency to see that most of the players are also from tribe A,” a reader pointed out, adding that favoritism, clannism, tribalism, and politics exist from village-district to State level.

This being detrimental to sports in Nagaland, a proper check and balance mechanism and selection of coaches with absolute integrity were recommended.

Same benefits to all corners
There was also a suggestion for developing the same sports infrastructure in all district headquarters. ‘Give privileges to all the nook and corner of Nagaland irrespective of tribes and regions. Platforms are meant to be shared not just the same faces performing all over,” a reader stated. Many readers maintained that Nagaland hosted the NEG 2024 commendably but called for follow-up with sportspeople.

Readers also voiced concerns over incidents of unsportsmanlike behaviour during the NEG, urging for accountability and apologies for actions that tarnish the spirit of sportsmanship.