Multi-purpose hall opened at NLA premise

Minister Neiba Kronu and Advisor Er Zale Neikha at the gym in the newly inaugurated multi-purpose hall in the premises of the NLA Secretariat on April 29. (Morung Photo)

Minister Neiba Kronu and Advisor Er Zale Neikha at the gym in the newly inaugurated multi-purpose hall in the premises of the NLA Secretariat on April 29. (Morung Photo)

Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 29

Nagaland Youth Resources & Sports Advisor, Er Zale Neikha inaugurated a Multi-purpose hall in the premises of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Secretariat and later handed it over to NLA on April 29. 

It was constructed under North Eastern Council.

Youth Resources & Sports, Director, Akumla Chuba said that the construction of Multi Purpose Hall was conceptualized during 2015 due to the long felt need of the people to have a multi-purpose indoor hall, catering to all disciplines of indoor sports and also in hosting cultural, tribal and youth related activities.

The project was sent to NEC and subsequently got sanction during 2015-16 with a project cost of Rs 647.54 lakhs having a sharing ratio of 90:10 between NEC and state government.

The work was awarded to M/S Eastern Associates and the work commenced on July 14, 2016 and completed on February 26, 2021.

The scope of work and facilities created involves play area for indoor sports with provision of three badminton court, multi gym, multi utility hall, electrical room, change room, green room, toilet bloc, storage room and galleries.

She hoped that the provided gym facility in the hall, which is of international standard, would serve as a hub where the message of the importance of “Fit Nagaland” will be carried across the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Er Neikha said that the PDA government headed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is committed for promotion of sports and games in Nagaland. In this, he urged the youths to nurture their talents and exhibits sportsmanship. 

“The present government with the far reaching vision of the chief minister has put a strategy where sports become an industry and as a lucrative profession that provides gainful employment inside and outside the competitive arenas,” Er Neikha said.

Nagas are naturally talented and second to none in the field of games and sports. The government is committed to work in all way in promoting the sports, he said.

The main features of this strategy will include infrastructure development, game developmental projects from grassroots upwards, capacity building of coaches and trainers, improvement of diet and nutrition, exposure and scientific training of athletes, motivation and reward and career stability for sportspersons. He said that the department is currently undertaking five major infrastructure project under Khelo India, all of which expected to be completed by next year and with more such infrastructures in the pipeline.
 
Synthetic turfs in Dimapur, Tuensang, Mon, Mokokchung
Further, with the success of synthetic turf at Indira Gandhi Stadium at Kohima, the department is undertaking installation of Synthetic Turfs at Dimapur, Tuensang, Mon and Mokokchung from various schemes of the state and centre, said Er Neikha.

He informed that the department is also keen to make MDSC (Multi Disciplinary Sports Centre) functional for which the necessary preparation of DPR is at the final stages of submission by the consultant.

With the selection of Indira Gandhi Stadium to be established as Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) to strengthen India’s pursuit of excellence in Olympics, talented sportsperson of the state can now have an opportunity at their doorsteps in further nurturing their talent, Er Neikha said.

Apart from infrastructure, measures are being undertaken by the Department by way of awards to reward and recognize the achievements of the sportspersons, coaches and administrators, the Advisor said.

NLA Speaker, Sharingain Longkumer acknowledged MLA Khriehu Liezietsu who has been instrumental in bringing this multipurpose hall project. He also thanked all other concerned individuals and concerned department for the successful execution of the work.

Later, Alun Hangsing, Commissioner and Secretary, Youth Resources & Sports handed over the MoU between the Department of YRS and NLA Secretariat.

Earlier, welcome address was delivered by NLA Commissioner & Secretary Dr PJ Antony while vote of thanks was proposed by NLA additional secretary Jenny Ndang.