The Silver Jubilee Celebration of Western Sumi Sports Association (WSSA) culminated on Thursday, at Niuland Town, with Advisor, Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakalu, as the guest of honor, and Advisor, WSSA and former Indian Football Captain, Bhaichung Bhutia, as the honored guest. The event was held from February 22 to 29.
Engaging with Bhaichung Bhutia, on the sidelines of the programme, he shed light on the challenges faced by Nagaland in the realm of football.
Bhutia attributed the state’s reason for lagging behind in football to crucial need for a grassroots focus, emphasizing the significance of tournaments at village and district levels as the breeding ground for emerging players.
Expressing concern about absence of players from Nagaland in the Indian Super League (ISL), Bhutia urged Nagaland Football Association (NFA) to intensify efforts, advocating for investments in time, energy, grassroots coaching programs, tournaments, and providing the right platform and support.
On the potential factors contributing to the state lagging behind in football, Bhutia identified training deficiencies and stressed on the need to promote coaches. He recommended prioritizing retired football players for coaching roles, and highlighted the crucial role of the NFA and state government in this endeavour.
On the subject of infrastructure, Bhutia underscored the importance of football grounds over large stadiums. Here, he drew parallels with South America’s success in producing best players, citing that most players were brought up from village level, street level football.
When queried about seeking leadership within the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Bhutia affirmed his position, expressing importance of having individuals with genuine passion and integrity to lead the sport at a national level. Commenting on the allegations against misuse of funds by the present AIFF president, he opined that the country needs good and clean people who are passionate to promote the sport in the whole country.
Despite not securing the desired post, Bhutia dismissed any disappointment, emphasizing the significance of the AIFF election occurring after a 40 to 50 years hiatus.
He highlighted the importance of election itself, irrespective of the outcome, generated headlines that increased public awareness about the sports and the federation.
Earlier, Advisor, Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakalu, laid the foundation stone for Western Sumi Sports Association Phushito Memorial Sports Centre, at Nouland, in presence of advisor, WSSA, and former Indian Football Team caption, Bhaichung Bhuttia, and WSSA officials.
The closing day of the WSSA Silver Jubilee celebration witnessed a football final match between Highway Area Sumi Sports Association (HASSA) and Kuhoxu (Niuland), where the later emerged champion after the game went to a penalty shoot out.
Other categories of sports included Under -16 Football Men’s, Men’s and Women’s Badminton and Volleyball.