Arise and Win: First Zeme Olympics kicks off in Jalukie
TR Zeliang officially declared open the Zeme Olympics on December 10. (DIPR Photo)
Dimapur, December 10 (MExN): Under the theme, ‘Arise and Win,’ the first-ever Zeme Olympics today kicked off in Jalukie Town.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Former CM of Nagaland & Leader of Opposition, T.R Zeliang (Advisor to Zeme Olympic Association) as the Special Guest and DC Peren, Sentiwapang Aier, NCS as the Guest of Honour.
The Olympics is being organized by Zeme Olympic Association (ZOA) from three States of Nagaland, Manipur & Assam and will conclude on December 17.
A total of 106 contingents from three states are participating in various disciplines; Men’s Football-70 teams, Men’s Volleyball-43 teams, Women Volleyball-25 teams and Athletics. The events will be held in 4 different places- Govt. Hr. Sec. School Ground Jalukie town, Samziuram ground, Jalukie B ground and Mhainamtsi ground, a DIPR report informed.
Speaking on the occasion, Zeliang extended his gratitude to the organizers, ZOA who have rendered their service as well as contributed selflessly in organizing the first ever Zeme Olympics.
He further noted that the land of the Zeme people is not only fertile but situated in a prime location. “Even within the Zeliangrong homeland, the land inhabited by the Zeme people in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland is situated in one of the most strategic location of the Naga homeland,” Zeliang said in his speech, released to the media here.
Stating that the land is not only blessed with beauty of nature but with rich mineral resources beneath the surface of our land, he called for the judicious use of the resources, it said.
Zeliang further said that the Zeliangrong people in general were sharply divided by the British colonial for which their community’s legendary figure like Haipau Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu had sacrificed their lives.
“However today, it could be a blessing in disguise if Naga solution arrives because it is the Zeliangrong people who will be most benefited as among the Nagas, there is no other Naga tribe other than the Zeliangrong people inhabiting three different States,” he added.
“In today’s situation when the whole Nagas are on the move for Naga solution, the Zeliangrong people should stand in unison and cooperate for early solution to Naga Political problem,” he added.
Meanwhile, in line with theme, the former CM also highlighted the example of the famous Naga footballer Dr. Talimeren Ao, popularly known as Dr. T. Ao, who from a rural background rose to be an “icon in the history of Sports” due to his will-power.
Dr T Ao went on to become the Captain of the Indian Football Team and led his team to the London Olympics in 1948, besides being the Flag Bearer for the Indian Contingent, he added.
“Today I want to encourage all my young friends to understand the meaning of today’s theme ‘Arise and Win’ while reminding ourselves the life and achievements of people like Dr. T. Ao,” Zeliang exhorted.
Extending his best wishes to all the participants competing in other sports, he urged them to display the highest standard of discipline and sportsmanship.
Zeliang also reminded them that as “sports plays a very important role in the overall development of human lives,” they should make it an integral part of one’s life, apart from education.
Let this First Zeme Olympics bring in unity and brotherhood among our people,” he added.
According to reports, the sporting event will be documented by Oxford documentary Film Institute. Later, the Olympic was officially declared open by the Special Guest followed with football opening match played between Nzauna vs Beisampuilwa.
Earlier, Zelaing also unveiled the Monolith at Multi Purpose Ground, Jalukie Town and was dedicated by ZBCC Nagaland Executive Secretary, Izieteilung Terieng. The opening ceremony was presided by Holy Newme and Keyi Putlang, while Presidential speech was delivered by Jeremiah Pame and greetings by Dr. Alison Kahn from Oxford University Film Institute, UK, the DIPR report added.
