The opening ceremony of the 30th NASA-D Games and Sports events was held at Botsa Village, Kohima on 18th January 2022. Northern Angami Sports Association Group – D, comprising of twelve villages marched to start the 1st day of the event with Associate Vice President, Athletic Federation of India and Advisor to Chief Minister, Nagaland, Abu Metha as the special guest.

Metha stressed that games and sports have become one of the most watched and awaited activity globally. Unlike the bygone days where sports was considered a hobby or a recreation or fitness activity, it has now become the most recognized profession and a prominent career to pursue.

He remarked that games and sports unite people; it brings more country together under one platform than any other human activity on earth. He also briefed on the potential of excelling in games and sports, stating that a champion in their field gets immediate recognition worldwide as well as a lucrative career.

Metha mentioned that the Government is trying to facilitate the infrastructure and resources for sports and games and added that, in the entire northeast, the first Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence will be inaugurated shortly at Sovima, Nagaland to provide a platform for the chosen sport person to get intensive training in sports.

‘Nagas have the potential to become a champion, it is our aim and ambition that Nagas too become world champion’, he stated and reminded, that there is no shortcut, nor under the table arrangement in the field of sports to become a successful player, any sports person has to work hard and discipline himself to become a champion, therefore he urged all the sports person to acquire the determination and the mental strength to excel in its own discipline and to work hard, to give the best to bring name and glory to our people and to our State.

Later, after the ceremony the special guest kicked off the 1st match of football between Chiechama and Tsiemeku basa.

(Siizo Kikhi, IA)