CM Rio wishes contingent success
DIMAPUR, AUG 24 (NPN): Four Nagas have been selected to represent India at the forthcoming 20th Asian Games to be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4. The four-member contingent from Nagaland comprises of Sepak Takraw players Menenu Tsukru and Seyiekhrieno Tepa, along with coaches Puleno Neikha and Pungotolu Puro.
A send-off programme for the contingent was held at Nagaland Cricket Association office here on Monday, with chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio attending the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Rio congratulated the athletes and coaches for earning the opportunity to represent the country, saying their achievement was a matter of pride for Nagaland.
He said their journey from grassroots level to national and international stage demonstrated importance of hard work, talent and dedication and urged the athletes to uphold the “3Ds”, “Discipline, Dedication and Determination”, both on and off the field.
Rio also said that consistency was essential for athletes to reach the highest level, adding that Nagaland had the potential to produce athletes capable of reaching the Olympics if provided with adequate opportunities and support.
Referring to Nagaland’s sporting history, Rio said the state had produced three Olympians, legendary footballer Dr. T. Ao, archer Chekrovolu Swuro and Paralympic medallist Hotoshe Sema.
He however lamented that state’s progress in sports had been slow, attributing this partly to shortcomings in infrastructure, facilities and coaching, adding that Nagaland historically lost opportunities because of its lack of affiliation with India Olympic Association, noting that the state was affiliated only after about four decades of statehood.
Rio however expressed optimism by stating that the situation had since changed and athletes from the State can now compete under state’s banner and urged youth to make full use of opportunities available to them.
“Sports today is no more a pastime or entertainment. It has the biggest potential. Overnight you can become somebody”, he said, while highlighting the state government’s efforts to develop sporting infrastructure and encourage athletes at the grassroots level.
He also said sporting achievements carried a responsibility, as success at the national and international level could inspire younger generations. “Today you go and achieve something. Then that will motivate the youngsters. So you have a lot of responsibilities. Your achievement, your recognition carries a responsibility”, Rio said.
He later assured that the state government would continue supporting young athletes with potential and wished the contingent success at the Asian Games.
Earlier, delivering the opening remarks, secretary general Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) Abu Metha said many Nagas have represented India in Sepak Takraw and had consistently won medals at national and international competitions.
He also said that representing the country was a contribution to nation-building and called on Nagas to take pride in the achievements of the athletes.
Metha further informed that Paralympic medallist Hotoshe Sema would also be representing India at the Asian Games.
Referring to India’s proposed bid to host the Commonwealth Games and its aspirations to host the Olympics in the coming years, he challenged Nagas to consider how many athletes from the state could rise to the occasion and represent the country at such events.
Meanwhile, speaking to the media after the programme, coach Puleno Neikha said preparations for the Asian Games had been underway and that the team was scheduled to leave for further training.
“We will spend a month training and teaching them. As a coach, I’ll give my best and they will give their best performance on the platform. We will do our best to make Nagaland proud”, she said.
Neikha further informed that nine players have been selected for Indian women’s Sepak Takraw team after a selection process that began with 30 senior-category players from across the country.
Player Menenu Tsukru also expressed gratefulness for the opportunity to represent both Nagaland and India. “First of all, we thank God. We are very happy to represent both Nagaland and India. We will give our best and, God willing, we will try to win a medal”, she said.