The 66th Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA) Meet kicked off with a grand inauguration ceremony on January 28 at IG Stadium, Kohima with Neibalie Rio as the chief guest. The three-day sporting event, set to take place at IG Stadium and Meriema Village Ground.
Addressing the gathering, Neibalie Rio emphasized the State Government’s ongoing commitment to the development of sports under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Rio highlighted the substantial investments in sports infrastructure, with 2,127 crores allocated in the 2023-24 fiscal year and2,107 crores in 2024-25.
Additionally, the government has earmarked 39 crores in 2023-24 and2.13 crores in 2024-25 to promote sports activities, including funding for the Nagaland Olympic Association, athlete sponsorships, and capacity building programs. Despite these investments, he acknowledged that Nagaland has yet to produce a consistent stream of professional athletes excelling at national and international stages.
Rio urged parents to support their children’s sporting talents, viewing sports as a viable career option alongside traditional professions like government jobs and politics. Rio further stressed the need for a cultural shift in Nagaland, encouraging communities to view sports as an integral part of a successful future.
In his presidential address, NASA president Vizosielie Khoubve urged athletes to foster unity, harmony, and sportsmanship throughout the event. He encouraged participants to use the platform to identify and hone their athletic potential and to give their best performance.
While, the Northern Angami Peoples Organization (NAPO) president, Keduo-o Zumu, in his speech encouraged the players to have confidence in their abilities and to aspire to compete at the national and international levels. He called on the athletes to maintain respect for the Lord and to embody the spirit of sportsmanship in all their endeavors.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Kelhouvakhrie Kire and invocation was pronounced by Rev. Neivilieo Zuyie followed by the oath administration by Khriesaneilie Sote. A special performance was presented by Neilakuonuo Metha. The comperes were Medolenuo Ambrocia Loucii and Neigusalie Khruomo.
Deputy Director IPR Nagaland House, New Delhi, Kuolie Mere, will attend as the special guest for the mid-event ceremony on January 29 and OSD (sports) youth resources and sports Roko Angami will grace the closing ceremony on January 30 as guest of honour.