The opening programme of the Nagaland Olympic & Paralympic Games 2022 was held at the Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima on August 22. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@ NagalandOlympic)
Nagaland Olympic & Paralympic Games kicks off in Kohima
Morung Express News
Kohima | August 22
Chief Minister of Nagaland & President of the Nagaland Olympic Association, Neiphiu Rio today remarked that it is a red letter day in the history of Nagaland as the second edition of Nagaland Olympic and the first Nagaland Olympic and Paralympic Games 2022 begins. He was addressing the opening ceremony of the Nagaland Olympic & Paralympic Games 2022 at the Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima where more than 3500 participants including officials from all the 16 districts of Nagaland gathered for the occasion.
“This is coming together to promote and foster sports and intend to promote unity and oneness among the Nagas,” he said while adding that the inclusion of Paralympic has led them to adopt the motto, “Stronger Together.” Stating that in today’s world, games and sports are not regarded as a mere entertainment or a pastime, he cited that those countries that win the most medals indicate the advancement and maturity of the citizens.
In this regard, he said that the Government of Nagaland is trying its best to develop the infrastructure in every nook and corner particularly in the district headquarters. He noted that Nagaland state is lacking behind in all spheres particularly sports. Referring to this year’s Commonwealth Games, he said, “Our country India got the highest medals of all times in the national and international sports.”
Be it Olympics, Commonwealth or Asian games, he pointed out that, “our neighbouring states are getting medals.” While stating appreciation for the state’s sportspersons who are getting medals even at the national and the international level, he however said, “We haven't got medals from these top world tournaments.”
Therefore, he emphasized, “We thought we must trace games and sports to our youths because the hope, the strength and the future is youth.” Substantiating this, the chief minister reiterated that sports are no more a pastime or entertainment and urged upon the gathering to give importance to our games. He also impressed upon that it is one discipline that, “can bring you fame and honour, both to yourself and to your country.”
In the meantime, he stated belief that Nagas are second to none. “We have talents and we have the instinct to be a sportsperson and we can excel but it is a competition and your best may not be enough for the medal and you have to work very hard. As a sportsperson, many people continue and follow their natural instinct and nurture themselves to become professional. It's a full-time job if you want to become professional,” he exhorted.
Sports, he added, “make you have a sense of discipline, dedication and determination which are the basis of becoming a sportsperson. It teaches you discipline, punctuality, team spirit, oneness, camaraderie, and also benefit you in terms of health fitness, mental wellbeing and having the team spirit. Whether you excel or not, you remain a fit and healthy person so that you become an asset to the state.”
Declaring the Nagaland Olympic & Paralympic Games 2022 open, he expressed hope that they will give their best and get medals for themselves and their district and further go on to represent the state and the country. Reiterating that the state government is trying to build infrastructure in all the districts, he said, “If your district or headquarters don't have what you deserve, in the days to come, we will see to it that those basic requirements are built for you.”
Earlier, there was oath taking by T Ato Yimchunger, Para Athlete escorted by Olympian & Arjuna Awardee, Chekrovolü Swüro.
