Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated Multi-Discipline Sports Stadiums across the districts of Niuland, Chumoukedima, Tseminyu, Tuensang, and Noklak through a virtual connection with the respective Deputy Commissioners of the districts on 13th November 2023 at the Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence, Sovima Chumoukedima.
Chief Minister Rio acknowledged the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, the MD of the infrastructure development company, and the local community for the success of these projects. He shared that the Government had sanctioned six stadiums during 2021-22 under the Special Assistance and Innovative program of the State, at an average cost of Rs. 3.50 crore per unit. He added that the sixth Multi-Discipline Sports Stadium at Shamator would be completed in a few weeks.
Chief Minister Rio emphasized that these modern stadiums, constructed under the EPC mode with pre-engineered/fabricated materials, are capable of accommodating dozens of different sports disciplines. They not only take less time to construct but also require lower maintenance costs. Similar facilities are in the pipeline for all districts. To promote sports as a life and livelihood skill, rural sports are being planned in selected pockets in the district, aiming to scout young promising sportspeople.
He highlighted that the Chumoukedima facility adds essential requirements to the Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence and designates the Chumoukedima district as a Sports and Education city. Rio urged other districts to identify appropriate sectors for their growth and development.
Chief Minister Rio stressed that multi-sports infrastructure is crucial for the development and training of athletes, especially if the state aims to host national and international multi-sports games and training camps in the future. Sports, he noted, is a potential industry that can provide gainful employment to athletes and others alike.
In conclusion, Chief Minister Rio expressed confidence that the government's small yet significant steps would propel the state onto the sporting map at both the national and international levels in the near future.
The Department of Youth Resources & Sports, in its effort to strengthen the sports ecosystem and engage talented youth, unveiled a complex with a court area of 35m*20m. The stadium construction used prefab with modern construction, offering flexibility, limitless design opportunities, and reducing environmental impact by 48-61%. The stadium can accommodate various disciplines, including two badminton areas, a portable hydraulic basketball court, Sepaktakraw & Basketball practice, and two table tennis areas.
The inaugural program highlights included a welcome address by Advisor, Youth Resources & Sports, S. Keoshu Yimkhiung; project highlights by Executive Engineer, Youth Resources & Sports, Er. Swedi Kiso; speeches by Former Vice President, All India Football Federation & MD, Lajong Football Club, Larsing Ming, and MD and Secretary-General, Nagaland Olympic Association & Vice President, Athletics Federation of India, Abu Metha. A presentation about the department was delivered by Director, Youth Resource & Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose, NCS.
(Tovikali, IA Chumoukedima)
