Advisor to Chief Minister, Abu Metha informed the media fraternity that all necessary preparations are being looked into for the forthcoming Northeast Games, 2024 (NEG) by the Sports associations and the Olympic team
Speaking on the side-lines after the inaugural of Apni Pathshala, Metha stated that the event will ‘perhaps be the biggest ever games that Nagaland is hosting’. He said all the Northeastern states are expected to participate and likened the recently concluded Nagaland Olympic Games to a rehearsal.
Metha thanked the government of Nagaland and the Northeast sports associations for the support and the Northeastern State Olympic associations for showing solidarity, accommodating the challenges of Nagaland despite the absence of infrastructure or facilities like other states.
Pointing out that the state has yet to host a big interstate multi-disciplinary sports event with the forthcoming NEG as the first. He acknowledged ‘there are challenges there are limitations’ but assured that the state team, state government and the Olympic team are working around the clock to ensure a successful game and a memorable event’.
When asked about the fund from the central government under Khelo India, he said, the state government will be the best to give information.
Placing on record that Khelo India has been a largely successful program and many athletes in rural rural areas of Nagaland were given opportunities to compete at the regional and state level through Khelo India, he expressed satisfaction with the progress. He said NEG is being segregated into various disciplines to three districts unlike other states where it would normally be held in one dedicated place where there’s a huge games infrastructure and facility.
He said as Nagaland lacks that kind of facility, it will be split it into three districts. The main events and the games Village will be at the regional center for sporting excellence in Chumoukedima District, athletics will be held in Kohima while the lawn tennis in Dimapur District at Kuda Village. Football and archery will take place at Chumukedima police complex
Metha hoped that with the cooperation of everybody, the event will be a successful.
He concluded by appealing to citizens and stakeholders in sports and even supporters to come forward participate and strengthen the ecosystem of sports to opportunities for youths in the state.