Advisor Zhaleo Rio addressing the public during inauguration of the new Indoor Badminton Stadium at Medziphema Town on November 11.
Indoor Badminton Stadium inaugurated in Medziphema
Medziphema, November 11 (MExN): A new Indoor Badminton Stadium was inaugurated near ADC Office Medziphema Town by Nagaland Advisor for Sericulture, Excise & Minority Affairs Zhaleo Rio on November 11.
The standard stadium was constructed with funds under LADP 2019-20 (Iconic project) and has all the required facilities including toilets, dressing rooms, etc., according to a press release received on Thursday. Along with the stadium, Rio also inaugurated the 1st Winter Badminton Tournament in the subdivision, it added.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Advisor called upon the youths to take advantage of the available infrastructure and move ahead to compete with others at any level. He also advised the community to maintain and utilize the infrastructure to its optimum and secure it from elements that may be detrimental to the new stadium. Rio opined that sportspersons should possess not only sporting spirit but also “cleanliness, civic sense, good behavior in and out of the court,” and display a sense of ownership of the stadium from which they will benefit.
As per the release, Rio, quoting Eleanor Roosevelt, said that, “Small minds discuss people, great minds discuss ideas.” In this context, he remarked that ‘small minds’ are usually critical and that “we should be broad minded, discuss ideas for development, tribal unity and peaceful coexistence.” The release further stated that the Advisor expressed utter dissatisfaction at the degree of land encroachment not only in Medziphema but also everywhere else in Nagaland. "I sincerely request every individual to abstain from stealing government's land but rather protect public property for holistic development in future,” it quoted him as saying. He also requested the ADC and administrative officers to sternly deal with violators.
While voicing strong resentment against land encroachers, Rio asked people to “stop the selfish practice of land encroachment” while revealing that administrative officers in Medziphema have consistently expressed discouragement and regret at the plight of government’s land. He asked government offices to contain their allotted land and submit proposals to protect the same. Rio also acknowledged the contributions of Medziphema Village and urged them to put up proper demarcations and landmarks to warn violators of the evil practice. He also requested organisations or NGOs to continue assisting the government in all related issues so that public properties are protected while expansion and development activities can be executed in due course of time without hindrances.
He also highlighted that more projects and schemes would be brought in the coming years and called for “local support especially in matters related to land ownership which is a regular stumbling block in our state.”
Meanwhile, the Advisor also advised the participants of the tournament to render their best so that they excel with a vision for higher levels, be it at the district, state, national or international level.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Imsongmeren, ADC Medziphema while Rev Zhabu Terhüja, Pastor, BCAMT, invoked God's blessings and a short speech was presented by Dosau Kuotsu, President, NDPP 5 Ghaspani-II. Dr Er Vekho Swüro delivered the technical report and gave a detailed account of the construction works while Kepe Nakhro, President, MTYO, also delivered a speech and Akhriezo Solo presented a special number, the release stated. The Women Organisation, NDPP 5 Ghaspani-II A/C, bestowed dignitaries with mementos while ADC Medziphema pronounced the rules and regulations to be observed for utilisation of the new stadium.
The Winter Indoor Badminton Tournament will be held from November 11 to 12 and will see the participation of 17 teams from different departments, wards, villages, it added.
