The Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) held its Annual General Meeting with the affiliated associations on 11th December, 2020 at the Banquet Hall, State Guest House, Kohima. The meeting was chaired by Meren Paul, Senior Vice President, NOA and the welcome address was delivered by K. Kire, Vice President.
Abu Metha, the Secretary General of the Association gave a presentation wherein he spoke about the history of the association and its recent activities. He said that the Nagaland Olympic Association was established in 1987. However, the NOA got affiliated to the Indian Olympic Association only in 2004 through the collective efforts of various people such as Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and Er. Lanu Toy, the founding president of the NOA. He stressed on the lack of proper sports infrastructures in the State, adding that the Indira Gandhi Stadium at Kohima and the Cricket Ground at Sovima are the only two infrastructures in the State with proper and standard facilities. He called for streamlining of various sports associations and strengthening them. Metha also proposed for reservation of posts for sports persons in various fields. He added that sports is the most watched event in the world and it brings people together and unifies them.
The Nagaland Wrestling Association, in its presentation, informed the gathering about the various activities taken up by the association. The association also informed that affiliation to the NWA is open to any district or tribe. The Nagaland Athletic Association also gave a presentation at the function where it highlighted the various goals and targets.
Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, who is also the president of the NOA, in his presidential address talked about the various challenges faced in the State. He said that the Nagas are still undisciplined, poor, backward and a minority, however a lot has been learnt over the years. He also said that there are many talents in the State, but they are not getting the required opportunity due to the lack of facilities, funds and other resources. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many activities were halted, however, he urged that people must move forward and learn to live with it, as it is the new way of life. Rio added that sports is highly competitive and it is a full time job which requires discipline, commitment and dedication, and deserves recognition and reward. He also suggested setting up of an office complex for the NOA, which would be functional throughout the year.
The website of the Nagaland Athletics Association was launched by Neiphiu Rio during the meeting. Various agendas were also taken up in the house for approval during the annual meeting. The vote of thanks was proposed by Neivikuolie Khatsu, Assistant General Secretary.
(Wepre Kronu, APRO)
