After South Asian, national cross-country championships, Nagaland to bid for more
Kohima: Following Nagaland’s biggest sporting event on Saturday with the second South Asian Athletic Federation (SAAF) Cross-Country Championships and 56th National Cross-Country Championships in Kohima, the state is now looking forward to bidding for more international and national sports events.
During the Grand Finale of the Championships hosted by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at the Kohima Cultural Hall on Saturday night, Rio said that as suggested by top sports officials, Nagaland will consider bidding for national games to boost sportspersons and sports infrastructure in the state.
The CM also thanked the SAAF and the Athletic Federation of India (AFI) for giving Nagaland a chance to host the historic event in Kohima that turned out to be a great morale booster.
Rio also acknowledged the sportspersons for their participation, participants lauding the local athletes who won medals during their debut in the international and sporting event. He said that this is a beginning for the state and an encouragement for sports development in the state.
He also acknowledged the bank of Baroda for the sponsorship of the event.
Olympian and Senior Vice president of the AFI, Anju Bobby George, said that the cross country championships have created history for Nagaland.
She appreciated the efforts taken by the government and the federation for conducting the successful event. George also encouraged the athletes to continue doing their best.
President, SAAF, Dr Lalit Kumar Bhanot, also took the time to congratulate the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) and the Nagaland government for the successful and grand conduct of the events. He termed it one of the most well-organised competitions in the history of the South Asian cross country championships.
Adille Sumariwalla, President Athletics Federation of India, hoped that the events create enthusiasm among the younger generation of players. He advised the state government to create high-performance centres for Athletes in every district, assuring that the Athletic Federation of India would provide all technical expertise and cooperation.
Associate VP of AFI, Abu Metha, said, “This event has given young Naga people in every part of the state the ambition and the knowledge to understand that if given an opportunity, they can do better and bigger than anybody else,” he said.
According to him, the event has made Nagaland’s arrival at the international and national sporting scene. As the state witnessed a rise of vibrancy and enthusiasm in sports, he called on the Naga youth to have the courage and the bravery to reach the highest standards.
