Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio inaugurated Sammogooting Stadium at DC office Complex, Chumoukedima on 24th January 2025.
In his inaugural speech, Rio spoke about the historical background of naming the stadium Sammogooting, highlighting that the name was favoured reflecting on the British administrative center of Naga Hills districts under the Assam province in 1866. He said this British legacy lives with us, the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act (BEFR) has given special protection to our land and its people. He therefore said, it is appropriate to name the stadium with the first and the most important historical background which has made Naga Hills into a full-fledged state, and Rio hoped that the villagers, the citizens of Chumukedima district will understand and respect this historical event. Rio also appealed to the people of Chumoukedima, Niuland and Dimapur to share and avail the facilities provided by the Government upholding unity and peace for development and progress.
Highlighting the multi-discipline sports complex at Dimapur, which is under construction for a long period of time, Rio said it was financed and sponsored by the planning commission of India. He informed that after the planning commission was replaced with NITI Aayog, funding was not received as expected. However, Rio said despite delays in funding challenges, an alternative source has been identified for the construction of the sports complex. If completed, Rio said it'll be the biggest sports complex, with various facilities such as AstroTurf, athletic tracks, swimming pool, wrestling arena, and all other facilities and will facilitate not only Dimapur, but whole Nagaland. He mentioned that all these developments are for our youth, where Government function, private functions or district tournaments, all can be conducted in one place with ease. Therefore, Rio seeks the support and cooperation of the citizens of all the villages, the officials, district administration and the contractors who have given their commitment to complete before time.
In addition, he stated that the stadium is being inaugurated and presented to the public, and he hoped that it will be utilized with utmost care, and keep it clean with ownership. Rio also informed to create such kinds of facilities in all the districts to promote sports facilities to the other citizens of the state. He was optimistic that the stadiums will inspire, foster unity and also strengthen our community and contribute to the development and unity of the Nagas.
In conclusion, Rio appealed to the citizens of the district to uphold peace, development, and progress to show good ways so that it will become a benchmark for all the districts in Nagaland.
In his speech, Minister of PHED and Co-operation, Jacob Zhimomi expressed happiness at witnessing the completion of Sammogooting Stadium, which he described as a remarkable achievement. He commended the Chief Minister’s leadership in bringing this vision to life. Zhimomi emphasized that the stadium is dedicated to the youth, providing them with a platform to excel in sports, music, and other creative pursuits, further enhancing infrastructure for the community.
Advisor for Urban Development, Zhaleo Rio expressed his happiness at witnessing Chief Minister’s special attention to the newly formed districts, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring all-round development. He stated that the Sammogooting Stadium would not only benefit the people of Chümoukedima but also those from Dimapur and Niuland. On behalf of the people of Chümoukedima, he extended his gratitude to the Chief Minister, the CAWD department, and the technical team for their hard work in bringing the project to fruition. He urged everyone who uses the stadium to maintain its cleanliness and ensure its proper upkeep, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in preserving the infrastructure.
Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu in her speech emphasized the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, acknowledging his efforts to assign roles to all 60 legislators for the state’s progress. She expressed her commitment to fulfilling the Chief Minister’s vision through her role as the Advisor for Industries and Commerce.
She highlighted the importance of public cooperation with government initiatives, stating that development requires active participation from both the government and the people. She specifically mentioned the ongoing Vishwakarma Scheme, aimed at supporting rural entrepreneurs, artisans, and micro-entrepreneurs to enhance their skills and businesses. Hekani appealed to the leaders and communities present to extend their support and ensure the program’s success.
In his technical report, Asst. Chief Engineer, CWD, Er. Sungtiba Amer highlighted that the stadium was conceptualized during 2023-2024 as per the requirements of the district. The stadium was constructed by the Department of Civil Administration Works Division (CAWD) and executed by M/s J.K. Construction, and was completed in 21 months—three months ahead of schedule, at a cost of ₹9,51,51,766. It includes state-of-the-art facilities such as: the Construction of Rostrum with a sitting capacity of 70 persons at the First Floor including two Players Rooms, Media Room and pantry in the Ground Floor; Construction of Gallery with a sitting capacity of 1000 persons with provisions for First Aid room, Toilets for both gents & ladies with PwD friendly design; Construction of Standard size Football ground with Internal and External Drainage System, which is probably the first public stadium with this technical specification; Construction of Standard Track field; Construction of blacktopped road from Main Highway to the stadium and inside the stadium with parking facilities; Construction of Security fencing around the entire Stadium with 3 Gates; Construction of Deep borewell with Overhead Water Reservoir.
K. S. Anden Konyak, IAS, Commissioner Nagaland; Zhato Kimho, President, Chakhroma Public Organization (CPO) and Razouvotuo Chatsu, VCC, Chumoukedima Village also spoke at the program. While DC Chumoukedima, Polan John proposed the welcome address. Spectacular Traditional Folk song enthralled the guest and audiences with their performance. The program ended with a thrilling Exhibition Football Match between CTC XI & DC XI, where DC Xl won the match.
(Tovikali & Tiakumla, IA)
