Kohima, July 3: Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Friday virtually inaugurated 16 sports infrastructure projects, including four Khelo India projects and 12 State-funded projects, marking a significant milestone in the state's efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and nurture young sporting talent.
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| Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio virtually inaugurates 16 sports infrastructure projects, including four Khelo India projects and 12 State-funded projects, from Kohima on Friday. (Image: X/Neiphiu_Rio) |
The inaugural programme was held at the Capital Convention Centre (CMRC), Kohima, in the presence of Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, Keoshu Yimkhiung.
The newly inaugurated infrastructure includes multipurpose halls at Changtongya (Mokokchung), Khaghaboto (Niuland) and Mangkolemba (Mokokchung); a pre-fabricated indoor sports hall at Police Reserve, Wokha Town; futsal grounds at Kiphire Town and Pathso (Noklak); futsal facilities with amenities at Wokha Town and Chozuba (Phek); pre-fabricated multipurpose halls at Wokha Village, Aboi (Mon), Tobu (Mon), Razaphe Basa (Chümoukedima), Jakhama Town (Kohima), the Chief Minister's Residential Complex (Kohima) and MDSC, Dimapur. A new Department of Youth Resources and Sports Office and Quarter at the new district headquarters in Peren was also inaugurated.
Addressing the programme, Chief Minister Rio expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision of promoting sports and empowering the youth through flagship initiatives such as Khelo India.
He said India is steadily emerging as a global sporting powerhouse, with sports no longer viewed merely as a recreational activity but as a vibrant sector capable of generating employment, creating economic opportunities, and transforming lives.
"By building a strong sporting culture, strengthening the capacity of coaches and trainers, and providing athletes with greater exposure, we can nurture talent and build a brighter future," Rio said.
The Chief Minister said the Nagaland Government has adopted a long-term strategy to transform the sports sector by developing modern infrastructure comparable to the best in the country while providing world-class training opportunities for athletes.
He expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated facilities would help identify and develop talented sportspersons from across the state, enabling them to compete at national and international levels and bring laurels to Nagaland and the country.
Describing the inauguration as more than the opening of buildings, Rio said the projects represent new opportunities for the youth of Nagaland.
"Today, we not only inaugurated new buildings but also opened doors to new opportunities for our State. Though we came together virtually, this is a milestone we will all cherish," he said.
The inauguration forms part of the state's continued efforts to promote sports infrastructure development and create an enabling environment for aspiring athletes across Nagaland.
