Nagas natural talent in sports needs to be harnessed: Dr Batra
KOHIMA, JANUARY 30: President of Indian Olympic Association and also International Hockey Federation, Dr. Narinder Druv Batra, while urging the Nagaland Government to set up a hockey pitch in the State, has assured of all support towards it.
Addressing the gathering during the inauguration of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) 6-storey office complex here Saturday night, Dr Batra, while pointing that the State does not have any hockey pitch, requested the Government to pursue one.
He also assured he would approach the Indian Hockey Federation to extend all support towards popularizing the game and also training Naga youngsters.
Dr Batra also maintained that Nagas have the natural talent in Archery and Wrestling which need to be harnessed well.
In this, he said the State Government should take the advantage of the natural talents that are available and produce more Olympians.
He also said IOA would request the Wrestling Federation of India to organise friendly bouts either at Kohima or Dimapur to give exposure to wrestlers.
Meanwhile, Dr Batra also asked the State Government to identify 4 young athletes, 2 each to witness the Commonwealth and Asian Games, which are likely to be held in July-August. This will help them get exposure to events at international platforms and share their experiences to young budding talents to promote sports in the State.
The IOA president was also appreciative of the Nagaland Government saying that establishment of an office of the State Olympic Association shows the seriousness of the State towards promoting games and sports.
The NOA office complex was inaugurated by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in the presence of Vice President IAO & President Athletic Federation of India Adille Sumariwala, Secretary General IAO Rajeev Mehta, Arjuna Awardee & Former Indian Football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, Arjuna Awardee & FIA Asia Pacific Rally Champion Gaurav Gill, former Indian Football captain P Renedy Singh, a host of State Cabinet Ministers and Advisors, Founding President NOA Lanu Toy and Arjuna Awardee & Olympian Chekrovulii Swuro.
On the occasion, Olympian Swuro presented her Archery World Cup Gold medal won at Shanghai China in 2011 to the NOA for display.
(Page News Service)
