Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, NOV 13 (NPN): Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio has lauded State’s growing sporting culture and called upon young athletes to aim beyond state and national competitions, while reaffirming state government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure and nurturing talent across the state.
Addressing the special award ceremony of the Nagaland State and Para Games 2026 at Hokato Hotozhe Auditorium, Games Village, Police Complex, Chümoukedima, on Friday, Rio also announced an additional Rs. 25 lakh award for Arjuna Awardee and Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist Hokato Hotozhe Sema in recognition of his achievement at the Asian Para Games in Japan.
It may be noted that the state government had also earlier awarded him Rs. 1.5 crore for his Paralympic bronze medal.
Rio further said that Nagaland has immense sporting talent, citing example of Dr. T. Ao who captained the Indian football team at the 1948 London Olympics.
He however maintained that the state’s potential had remained underdeveloped for decades due to prolonged instability, divisions and Naga political issue, which diverted time and resources from other areas of development.
He also said the state government had recognised the need to create opportunities for youth in sports, music and arts, and that efforts to promote these sectors began during his first tenure as chief minister in 2003.
Rio said the state government’s vision for youth development had gradually translated into policies and initiatives, adding that it was never too late to build a strong sporting culture.
Congratulating the organisers, athletes, officials and medal winners, Rio appreciated participation of all districts, with over 2,600 athletes and around 1,200 officials, technical personnel and support staff involved in the Games. He also thanked the Nagaland Police for making its infrastructure available for the sporting event.
Meanwhile, highlighting Hokato’s achievements, Rio said his journey demonstrated that physical disability should not be a barrier to pursuing one’s aspirations, noting that despite losing a leg while serving in the Army, Hokato had overcome immense challenges through determination and perseverance to achieve success at the highest level.
He thereby urged athletes to remain disciplined, committed and dedicated, stating that sports taught fairness, teamwork, resilience and respect.
He also reminded them that victory should be accompanied by humility, while defeat should serve as motivation to improve.
Rio later said that the state government was committed to developing sports infrastructure and training facilities across districts.
He pointed to the development of state’s sports facilities and the state government’s efforts to provide better coaching opportunities.
Delivering his address as the honored guest, Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma described Hokato as an inspiration, stating that his achievements had demonstrated that determination and hard work could overcome physical limitations.
He also appreciated the support extended by Nagaland Police in ensuring security, logistics and smooth conduct of the Games within the Police Complex.
Dwelling on the event, he said that the event had demonstrated the importance of collaboration between the state government, Nagaland Olympic Association, sports organizations and the police in building a stronger sporting culture.
He later stressed that greater exposure to different players, countries and sporting systems would help local athletes improve their performance and prepare for higher-level competitions.
The DGP also disclosed that a proposal had been submitted to the state government to introduce additional marks for outstanding sportspersons during Nagaland Police recruitment.
If approved, he said that the initiative would encourage athletes from across the state, whilst also providing selected sportspersons access to police facilities, structured training and discipline.
Meanwhile, during the ceremony, the SKOCH Silver Award, which was awarded to the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, was handed over to chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, while “The Golden Beaver Award” received by Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), was also handed over to the chief minister.
The awards were acknowledged as recognition of the state’s efforts in promoting sports, music and arts.
The ceremony also featured special award presentations recognising achievements in the Para Games and men’s and women’s boxing.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by secretary general NOA, Abu Metha, while vote of thanks was delivered by joint secretary NOA, Kuputo Shohe.
Mokokchung, Peren enter football gold medal match at NSPG
Mokokchung and Peren booked their places in the gold medal match of the football event at the Nagaland State Para Games (NSPG) after registering victories in their respective semi-final encounters on Friday.
In the first semi-final, Mokokchung secured a narrow 1-0 win over Dimapur to advance to the final.
The second semi-final saw Peren produce a dominant performance to defeat Phek 4-1 and seal the remaining spot in the championship match.
Prior to the Peren versus Phek match, a brief programme was held with treasurer of the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI), Kevin Yepthomi, attending as the special guest. The programme was chaired by Member of the Tournament Committee for Football NSPG, Lanutoshi Yaden.
Following the semi-final results, Mokokchung and Peren will face each other in the gold medal match scheduled for Saturday at 11 am.
Meanwhile, Dimapur and Phek will clash in the bronze medal match, which is scheduled to be played at 8 am.