Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio inaugurated 16 sports infrastructure projects under the Youth Resources & Sports Department on July 3. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, July 3 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Friday inaugurated 16 sports infrastructure projects under the Youth Resources & Sports Department, marking a significant step towards transforming the state’s sporting landscape.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex, was attended by Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, and Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports, S Keoshu Yimchunger, among other legislators, stated a DIPR report.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Rio said the government has put in place a long-term strategy to transform sports in Nagaland, with a vision to develop infrastructure on par with the best in the country and provide world-class training to sportspersons.
“Sports have evolved beyond recreation into a vibrant industry capable of generating employment and creating new opportunities,” the CM said, adding that the inauguration marked more than the opening of new buildings as it also created new opportunities for the people of the state.
He emphasised that fostering a strong sporting culture, strengthening the capacity of coaches and trainers, and providing greater exposure to athletes would help nurture sporting talent and build a brighter future for the state.
The Union Minister Mandaviya, taking to social media platform X said, “Virtually joined Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio ji for the inauguration of 16 new sports infrastructure projects in the state. Under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are committed to empowering the youth of our Ashtalakshmi, ensuring the region rapidly emerges as India’s hub of sporting excellence.”
The projects, inaugurated virtually across different locations, comprise four under the Khelo India scheme and 12 state-funded initiatives aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure across Nagaland.
The Khelo India projects include multipurpose halls at Changtongya, Mangkolemba in Mokokchung district, and Niuland district, besides a pre-fabricated indoor sports hall at Wokha.
The state-funded projects include futsal facilities at Kiphire, Noklak, Wokha Town and Chozuba, pre-fabricated multipurpose halls at Wokha Village, Aboi, Tobu, Razaphe Basa, Jakhama Town, the CM’s Residential Complex in Kohima and MDSC, Dimapur, as well as the construction of the DYRS Office and Quarter at the New District Headquarters, Peren.
