Kohima: Adviser to Nagaland Chief Minister, Abu Metha, while addressing the state volleyball players during the opening ceremony of the 18th All Nagaland Inter-District Volleyball tournament at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima, urged the need to relook into volleyball in the state.
Metha, the associate vice president of the Athletic Federation of India (AFI), said that volleyball is among the top 5 sports in the world. He encouraged the Nagaland Volleyball Association (NVA) to come up with a master plan on how to promote the sport in the state. He urged the need to formulate plans to train young players, organise competitions, conduct exposure trips, to promote the sport.
“We must promote sports and games not as a recreational activity, but as a professional activity that has the opportunity for a gainful career,” he said. In this regard, Metha said that policymakers must realise the importance of the sports and games industry and that the Naga society must realise the changing dynamics in understanding sports opportunities.
Acknowledging the poor sports infrastructure and the limitation of resources in the state, Metha emphasised making the right investments by promoting sports as science.
Metha also assured the support of the state government and Nagaland Olympic Association. He informed that the Nagaland Olympic Association would streamline various sports activities, which will operate throughout the year with the help of a software management system for all the sports associations to promote sports and games.
Believing in the talent and capability of the Naga youth, he said it is the responsibility of the government and sports associations to ensure that the dreams and aspirations of the sportspersons are met.
He also advised sportspersons to work hard and be committed. He encouraged the players to do their best and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Seven districts—Tuensang, Dimapur, Mon, Kohima, Mokokchung, Lomgleng, and Phek are competing for the championships in the men’s category, while six teams, excluding Dimapur, will be competing for the ultimate championship in women’s category. The tournament was kicked off by Metha on Wednesday and will conclude on November 27.
The tournament is organised by the Nagaland Volleyball Association and hosted by the Kohima District volleyball Association.
