Dimapur, November 11: The 13th edition of U-14 Inter-District Catch Them Young Tournament was formally inaugurated by Advisor to Chief Minister, Abu Metha at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on November 11. The two-day sport event is being organised by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports.
Abu Metha, speaking at the event, said that ‘there are no shortcuts in sports like elsewhere and if you put in your hard work, success will come searching for you’.
He went on to say that today in the arena of sports and games, being Nagaland champion and being national champion are no longer good enough ‘but to be champion in sports means an international champion’.
Metha added that success is measured no longer by certificates but by international medals and the amount of money you earn at the international arena.
Abu Metha stated that Government of Nagaland continues to give utmost importance to the development of youth activities, and sports and games come to the forefront.
He said that the aspiration of the Naga Olympic Association is for Nagaland to produce champions at the highest levels in sports.
Abu added that to make that happen, the State, the citizens of the State, and all stakeholders must make investments and efforts towards realisation of those dreams.
He also said that for one athlete or a team to get on the podium one day, investment in infrastructure, development of sports at all levels, approaching sports as a science and no longer taking it as a hobby or recreation are the foundations.
Director of YRS, Akumla Chuba said that the Catch Them Young is an annual programme of the Department where young talents are identified with an aim to give greater opportunities for their future endeavours.
She said this year, 1,532 children have enrolled in different sports disciple from all 12 districts, adding that the huge enrolment shows the love of sports is growing fast in Nagaland and the message sent across is that sports can be taken as profession, not merely as a hobby.
She also informed that in the inter-district tournament, 89 boys and 78 girls selected from 12 districts are participating in the tournament.
(Page News Service)
