The send-off ceremony organized by Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) for the 305 athletes and coaches contingent representing Nagaland to partake in the 2nd NE Olympic Games was held at Hotel Vivor, Kohima on 27th October 2022.
Chief Minister of Nagaland and President Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) Neiphiu Rio in his message to the athletes to participate in the North East Olympics said it is an opportunity for them to grow and added that sports is not a part-time job but a full-time job that needs hard work to excel, consistency and commitment. He also announced a special cash prize of Rs. 50,000, Rs. 25,000, and Rs. 10,000 respectively to the athletes securing gold, silver, and bronze medals in the upcoming 2nd Northeast Olympic Games scheduled to be played from 10th to 16th November 2022 at Shillong, Meghalaya.
Rio stated that in the field of sports, Nagaland needs a collective joint effort to make sports a sustainable pursuit since the state is lacking behind the rest of the Northeastern States and called upon all to put up a concerted effort to excel at sports at the national and international level and not waste too much time and resources in blaming one another. He also added that the State Government will be constructing indoor stadiums and Astro turfs playgrounds in all the district headquarters and will continue to facilitate training, coaching, and establishing Academy. He also stressed the need to use the created infrastructure in a proper manner.
Secretary General, NOA, Abu Metha in his introductory remarks stated that Nagaland is sending a total of 305 athletes including coaches and officials to represent the State and will participate in 17 disciplines out of the 18 disciplines to be played in the NE Olympic Games.
Metha, exhorting the sports persons, said that the opportunity to represent Nagaland is itself an achievement for all the athletes and also noted that there has been discussion, deliberations, and sharing of opinions in the sports story of Nagaland across many platforms and has now come to the central point of discussion for NOA, sports fraternity of Nagaland and the citizens of the state for opinions. Metha also stated the aspiration of the State is to produce champions, but one has to get an ecosystem that promotes sports as a whole and an ecosystem that has good infrastructure such as experts in the field of biomechanics, sports nutrition, strength and conditioning, video analyst, researchers, sports scientists, physical education, teachers, exposure, training, scholarships, rewards and incentives and recognition for sports persons.
The programme was chaired by Assistant Secretary-General NOA, Neivikuolie Khatsu, and the welcome address was proposed by Senior Vice President NOA, T. Meren Paul. The vote of thanks was delivered by Joint Secretary, NOA, Kuputo Shohe while the message and prayer for Nagaland contingents were pronounced by Dr. Kethoser Kevichusa. Special numbers were also performed by Bozio Nienu and Akhrieze and Vito & The Band.
A documentary entitled “Ground Zero” was also screened.
(Maongtemjen, IA)
