The Nagaland Shooting Sports Association (NSSA), in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, inaugurated a two-week free training and competition programme under the theme “Sports for All.” The event is scheduled from August 22 to 30 at the Temjen Toy Indoor Shooting Range, Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex, Duncan, Dimapur. The opening ceremony was chaired by Vilivi H. Sheqi.
Kethosituo Sekhose, Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, graced the occasion as the Special Guest. Sekhose said, shooting was deeply rooted within the Naga community, and said that it's been gradually gaining recognition as more emphasis is being laid on sports infrastructure and youth engagement. While firearms were originally invented for warfare, shooting today has become a competitive sport that demands discipline, focus, and strong mental preparation, he added. He also encouraged the aspiring athletes that an indoor stadium has been developed to provide a safe and conducive environment for players. Authorities stressed that no athlete should face trouble while pursuing their passion for sports, as infrastructure development is already underway in several districts of the state.
Acknowledging that shooting is an expensive discipline, the Nagaland Shooting Sports Association (NSSA) has stepped in with a free coaching initiative. This move is expected to provide equal opportunities for young boys and girls to take up the sport, regardless of financial background
With the sports industry estimated at 500 million dollars today, the state government has also identified sports as a promising sector for growth and investment. Officials urged the youth to actively take part in various sporting activities, highlighting that sport is no longer just recreation, but also an industry with vast potential.
Neivikuolie Khatsu, Assistant Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association, attended as Guest of Honor. Speaking on behalf of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), Neivikuolie Khatsu emphasized the importance of discipline, commitment and focus in the life of every sportsperson.
Khatsu said that athletes must “formalize their mind, stay straight and stay targeted” in order to achieve their goals. He highlighted the need for commitment, stating that success in sports requires both vision and perseverance, along with proper time management.
Underscoring the influence of socialization, Khatsu reminded young athletes to be mindful of whom they choose as friends and the company they keep. He further noted that sports can be the “shortest way to become a superstar,” provided one remains dedicated and determined in their pursuit.
J.I. Yaden, former IGP & Director of Vigilance and Working President of NSSA, was the Chief Host, where he highlighted the history of shooting sports in Nagaland, tracing back to the formation of the Kohima Rifle Club in 1974 and the establishment of the Nagaland State Rifle Association in 1991. In 2019, the Nagaland State Rifle Association and Nagaland Rifle Association merged to form the NSSA.
Yaden said that NSSA has since conducted several state-level competitions, including the Hornbill Shooting Championship, and offers free training to nurture young shooters. With support from the state government, the association has also set up modern shooting facilities at Dimapur Indoor Stadium, inaugurated in December 2022. He also expressed optimism that the platform will help young talents from Nagaland excel at national and international shooting events in the near future.
The programme began with an invocation led by Yanbemo Lotha, Senior Associate Pastor of Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur. This was followed by a welcome address from the Chairperson, and speeches delivered by the Chief Host.
Declaring the training and competition open, the Special Guest fired the ceremonial ‘First Shot,’ marking the commencement of the programme.
(Limatoshi, IA Dimapur)
