Neiphiu Rio and others during the inauguration of NOA office complex in Kohima on January 29. (Morung Photo)
NOA office complex inaugurated
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 29
In a major boost for sports activities in Nagaland, a six-storey office complex of Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) was formally inaugurated today at Officers' Hill, Kohima by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Speaking on the occasion, Rio said that the state government has constructed the office complex with a view to promote sports in a systematic manner in the state. Despite financial constraints, we are investing this because we have hope in our youth, Rio said.
On this note, Rio called upon the youth to take the facility wisely and excel in various disciplines of sport.
He also posed a challenge to the 22 sports organisations affiliated with the NOA and urged them to holistically promote sports in their respective disciplines.
Apart from facilities like Gym, Seminar hall, office of NOA and other Sports Associations affiliated with NOA, the complex will also house the Lanu Toy Library, Talimeren Conference Hall, and Chekrovolu Hall of Motivation.
Rio informed that NOA was affiliated to Indian Olympic Association in 2004 and in its first appearance in the National Games in Guwahati, Nagaland won 11 Medals.
He was optimistic that NOA office complex would motivate the youth to engage in the field of sports with more commitment and seriousness and aim for national and international medals.
Later, Rio unveiled SAFF Cross Country trophies.
Also present at the event, NOA founding president Er Lanu Toy stressed on the need to have consistency and discipline to excel in sports.
Arjuna Awardee and former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia acknowledged the state government for coming up with NOA office complex, stating that “This shows the commitment and desire of the government for promotion of sports in Nagaland.”
Gaurav Gill, Arjuna Awardee and FIA Asia Pacific Rally champion called upon the Naga youth to take sports as full-fledged careers while Dr Narinder Druv Batra, president Indian Olympic Association and president International Hockey Federation assured all possible support for promotion of Hockey in Nagaland.
Adille Sumariwala, Vice president IOA and president AFI and Rajeev Mehta, Secretary General IOA also spoke on the occasion and commended the Chief Minister Rio for making all out efforts to promote sports in Nagaland.
Nagaland’s Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Chekrovolu Swuro and several other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
The programme was chaired by T Meren Paul, senior vice president NOA while NOA joint secretary Kuputo Shohe delivered welcome address. NOA secretary general Abu Metha gave the reports.
