M Renpen Y Khuvung
Kohima
The recently concluded table tennis championship, organized by the Wokha District Table Tennis Association (WDTTA) has brought smiles to many sports enthusiasts and a ray of hope to many aspiring youths in and around Wokha District that a variety of sports tourneys do occur in the district apart from the seasonal monopoly of football and cricket. As a huge sports fan, seeing such a rare occasion unfold with a grand success is heartwarming. A first-of-its-kind, TT tourney is held in the land of plenty, and the winners and selected individuals who will be vying to bring laurels for the district in the upcoming Nagaland State Olympics are certainly something for us to cheer for. Such events need to be more appreciated and supported by every citizen in and around the district and whether one is a fan of sporting events or not shouldn't be a subject of conflict. Be it financial support, moral support, or even just attending events to spectator and cheer for the participants, it will go a long way in shaping society.
With the rampant rise of substance abuse in recent years in the heart of the town and in and around the vicinity, a plethora of sporting events in regular intervals can play a huge factor in improving community conditions. It can act as a vehicle for prevention and mitigating substance abuse among the youths. Youths can at least have a set of goals and something to look forward to and prepare accordingly, keeping themselves physically active in the process and staying away from substances that are harmful to their well-being physically, mentally, and spiritually. Having them engaged in something or the other and assuring them of rewards or something good in return will surely go a long way.
Different arrays of sports can have a positive effect on individuals and societies in a plethora of ways like improving self-esteem, development of loyalty, commitment, and perseverance, and better ability to handle oneself in times of stress, relieving boredom by giving structure to free time, cooperation and discovering one's limitation and potential, promote socialization by introducing rules to be followed, etc. These are a few protective factors or assets that have been seen to contribute to the development of young people by engaging in various sports.
It will also help in exploring the untapped potential of the youth, recruiting unique talents in various sports, and providing them with an opportunity to compete at higher levels resulting in more refined participants and better performance in the state Olympics and beyond. The many young sports enthusiasts clinging to the aspiration of making a living out of it can be thus made into reality.
Amid an epidemic of associations in our state that does more harm than good in reality, it is a breath of fresh air to see WDTTA bring smiles, hope, and positivity to the district especially to the aspiring youths by organizing such events. It is of paramount importance for everyone to realize the role sports and physical activity can play in the war against substance abuse. With much anticipation, we hope that this is the first of many from WDTTA and that different sports association and concerned departments jump on the bandwagon for a better organized and collaborated approach toward our decomposing youths of Wokha.
The wave of substance abuse has been causing havoc to an enormous number of youths, destroying their lives and families and having a massive negative impact directly or indirectly on the future of our loving Town and the citizens. If an apocalypse of such a nature is to persist then we shall have to buckle up and face the inevitable fate, a distasteful journey into the dark abyss, or say we head into a dystopian future. So for a not-so-common sporting event to take place despite the relevant lack of infrastructure and support it is very much encouraging, especially for the youths and therefore as a mere fan of sporting spectacle I show my gratitude and appreciation to everyone responsible for organizing such an event and making it a success.
