Chizokho Vero
Kohima | March 2
Setting a new benchmark for football in Nagaland, a spectacular Nagaland Premier League (NPL) got started today with an exciting exhibition match between Lajong FC Shillong and Life Sports FC amidst thunderous cheers from football lovers of the state. Welcoming the venture of NPL in Nagaland, Rio announced an assistance of Rs. 25 lakhs every year towards the League.
He said if things progress and become better the government would like to do much more. He however said that anything is possible through trust and provided the fund is utilized properly, the government would not hesitate to do much more for the sake of our youth.
Stating that premier league became the biggest industry in the world, Rio said that sports involve a lot of money and expressed that the State government would come forward to assist in uplifting sports.
Rio however reminded that all over the country sports is financed by the industry and business community. In this regard, he requested the business community to come forward and sponsor the same so as to promote the sports persons.
Assuring that the government would do whatever is possible to assist the venture, he said that government and business houses must also come forward to give opportunity to the footballers and the youth and to make the NPL sustainable. He said Nagas are good in starting many things but do not keep consistency and stressed on the need to maintain consistency.
Sharing the fact on how young talents are nurtured and they became international stars and celebrities, he said the club owners can bring foreign coaches and players as we need the best players to play with and at the same time requested the club owners to promote local youth so as to give them employment opportunity. He also requested them to initiate “Junior Talent Hunt” so that they can be groomed into becoming stars of the future.
Terming March 2 as a red letter day for the state of Nagaland for starting NPL by 442 Management Company along with Nagaland Football Association (NFA), Rio congratulated the young visionaries for taking a giant step to manage and start the chapter of NPL in the state. He termed it as a long awaited dream and hope for the football lovers of the state. “We watch TV and read from magazines, news paper about the different premier leagues in different continents and countries and today it has come into a reality in our state,” Rio said.
The Chief Minister said the state government is trying to encourage the youth to venture into many areas particularly sports by drawing the State Sports Policy and giving sports awards to the people who excel. “We have achieved excellence in various disciplines,” Rio said.
World over, he said, football is the most popular sports. As far as India is concerned in the field of football, it stands at 154 rank out of 190 countries. Rio said we need to go a long way to catch up with others.
On the other hand, he encouraged the youth that sporting spirit matters and for which they have equal opportunity to progress. Rio further observed that women football team needs to be encouraged to promote the girls. India stands at 53 rank in women football and they were doing much better than men, Rio said.
Referring to legendary footballer Dr. T. Ao, the first Indian Olympic team captain, he said “We have inborn talent. We have to motivate talent to perfection.” He said that the state has started Dr. T. Ao Academy, Inter District Dr. T. Ao Football Trophy and North East Dr T Ao Trophy.
NFA president Atuo Mezhur was optimistic that the introduction of NPL would bring quality football to the football hungry people of Nagaland. He also thanked club owners who inspite of the short notice built the clubs and fulfilled the required criteria to compete for the meet.
Through this league, he said, 200 footballers of Nagaland including referees would be gainfully employed. He also sought cooperation and support from the government in this venture and hoped that the players of the 10 participating clubs will delight football crazy people of the state with their skills.
Earlier, 3 accomplished footballers of the state- Roko Angami, Lanuchuba Imchen and Kelethutuo Khazo were first introduced to the players of the exhibition match with memento.
For a brief period of time, all the dignitaries, participating teams including spectators stood up to the tune of NPL anthem, which was composed by Nise Meruno. NFA general secretary Neibu Sekhose administered oath to the players of the exhibition match.
In the exhibition match, Lajong FC blanked Life Sports FC 4-0. Seikhohao Tuboi delivered hat trick for Lajong FC in the 31st, 33rd and 67th minutes of the play while Chizoba Christopher added another goal for the team in the 59th minutes.
Lui Tzudir, Renbeni Odyuo and DJ Ina entertained the crowd with musical items. Vote of thanks was proposed by NPL CEO Asalie Peseyie. The NPL will continue till July, to be played in three districts of the state- Kohima, Mokokchung and Dimapur.
