The 13th edition of the U-14 Inter-District Catch Them Young Tournament was formally inaugurated by Advisor to Chief Minister, Abu Metha at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on 12th November 2021. The two day sport event is organised by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports.

Abu Metha speaking at the event said that ‘there are no shortcuts in sports, like elsewhere and if you put in your hard work success will come searching for you’. He went on to say that today in the arena of sports and games, being Nagaland champion is no longer good enough  and being national champion is also no longer good enough but to be champion in sports means an international champion.

Metha added that the bottom line of success is measured no longer by certificates but by international medals and the amount of money you earn at the international arena. He further encouraged the athletes that nothing is impossible in this world, especially in sports. He also congratulated the Department of Human Resources for carrying out excellent initiatives, despite enormous challenges and hurdles due to pandemic and lockdown in the State. Metha said despite the challenges, they have observed all the SOPs and they have managed to successfully bring the event to the state level tournament.

Abu Metha stated that the Government of Nagaland continues to give utmost importance to the development of youth activities and sports and games comes to the forefront which is the aspiration of the government. He said that the aspiration of the Naga Olympic Association is for Nagaland to produce champions at the highest levels in sports in the months and years to come. Abu added that to make that happen, the State, the citizens of the State, and all stakeholders must make investments and efforts towards realization of those dreams.

            He also said that for one athlete or a team to get on the podium one day, investment in infrastructure, development of sports at all levels, approaching sports as a science and no longer taking it as a hobby or recreation are the foundations of sport to take off.

Director, YRS, Akumla Chuba delivering her welcome address said that the Catch Them Young is an annual program of the Department where young talents are identified with an aim to give greater opportunities for their future endeavours. She added this year, 1,532 children have enrolled in different sports disciple from all 12 districts adding that the huge enrolment shows the love of sports is growing fast in Nagaland and the message sent across is that sports can be taken as profession and not merely as a hobby. She also informed that in the inter-district tournament 89 boys and 78 girls selected from 12 districts are participating in the tournament. She also urged the stake holders to support and help the children to achieve their goals to bring laurels to the State. 

Highlights of the event included oath taking by host team captain on behalf of the players and T Imtisungit Ao took oath on behalf of the officials. The special guest declared the tournament open followed by the boys 100 m heats. Athletes from twelve districts are participating in the tournament. 

(Esuihangle & Moamenla, IA)