8th Niathu Sports Festival gets underway

The inaugural session for the eighth edition of the Niathu Sports Festival commenced on Thursday at Zone Niathu by the Park, Chümoukedima, with Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Sharingain Longkumer, as the special guest.
Addressing the programme, Longkumer underscored the role of sports not only in building discipline and teamwork, but also in tackling the growing challenge of stress in today’s fast-paced digital world.
“Sport in every form is vital in building camaraderie, teamwork, and in conditioning our physical and mental temperament. But most importantly, it instills discipline, an essential ingredient for success” Longkumer said.
He cited a state’s recent health manual initiative, launched by Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, whereby Longkumer highlighted the growing concern for fitness among public servants and leaders who spend long hours in sedentary work.
“It was an idea which came up with the realization that the government service officers are one of our most valuable assets in the state government”, he stated, adding that the state officers give in so much time and sacrifice much of their family life, their own personal life, in ensuring that the policies and programmes of the state government are implemented and executed smoothly, at the cost of their health.
According to the study, Longkumer informed that an elected legislature, in his five years of service, spends 6 months in his official vehicle while carrying out official tasks, however adding that this does not include the amount of time one spends in public meetings or the time he sits in the office.
Longkumer also dwelled on “Stress” as a silent killer, adding that taking time off through sports and physical activity was one of the best ways to safeguard our health and find balance.
He expressed hope that the festival brings the concept of one Naga Family that is inclusive of all residents of the state, including the Non Nagas.
Meanwhile, delivering the closing remarks, festival advisor Abu Metha, conveyed greetings from Chief Minister Dr Rio, and also commended Niathu Group for its sustained contribution towards sports through the festival, terming it “a remarkable corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative”.
Metha highlighted that the festival, featuring eight sporting events across multiple venues, has become a unifying platform for sportspersons from the state, Northeast and mainland India.
He urged young athletes to pursue excellence through hard work and determination, citing examples of athletes such as Neeraj Chopra, Chekrovolu Swuro, Dr Talimeren Ao, and Hokato Hotozhe Sema, who overcame challenges to achieve greatness.
Earlier, the inaugural programme was chaired by Imnasenla, invocation offered by pastor, Life Square Church, Keneilhoutuo Kiso while the welcome address delivered by festival director, Kechangulie Rio, and a special number by the Coloured Keys. The oath-taking was administered by District Sports Officer, Chümoukedima, Wutsutho, while the special guest declared the festival open.