The game originated from the country, Morrocco, in the year 2006, and now recognised as one of the international sporting events or games, says president of NABA, Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Two-day coaching training organised by Nagaland Aainball Association (NABA) ended on Tuesday at the State Environment & Forestry Training Institute, Signal Angami, Dimapur, where MLA and leader of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) Legislature Party, and also the president of NABA, Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu, was the special guest.
Sharing his thoughts on the very particular game which most of the people are not aware of, Azo introduced that the game originated from the country, Morrocco, in the year 2006, and now recognised as one of the international sporting events or games.
Citing that Naga youths have immense talents in many fields including sports and games, Azo was optimistic that the particular new sport would get momentum through the able coaching of the expertise while also adding that the sports could be very important for the uniformed personnel.
He encouraged for introduction of the same in schools, colleges, and other institutions.
Later, he extended his gratitude to the chief advisors, officials, and the participating teams for showing the spirit of guidance and sportsmanship.
Affiliated with the Aainball Federation of India (AFI), the NABA’s two days coach training schedules with 38 trainees also conducted an exam which was later tagged as the first state in the country thereby creating a history in the annals of AFI.
Compering the closing programme, was joint secretary, NABA, Watijungla Ao, invocation was proposed by joint secretary, NABA, Tsayem Thonger, while short speeches were also delivered by NABA chief advisors, Sandeep M Tamgadge, ADGP (Law & Order), and Director, Intangki National Park, T Aochuba (IFS).
Vote of thanks was delivered by general secretary, NABA, Avizo Nienu.
Meanwhile, Master trainer, Dipankar Kalita, sharing his insights about the remarkable sport (Aainball) that bridges the gap between the strategy, teamwork, and sheer exhilaration, enlightened that “Aainball” is an international game played physically on a playground and is based on colours, concentration, and coordination.
Originated from Morrocco, Aainball was designed by Mohamed Hamane who conducted an in-depth study on colours and their impact on the brain thereby introducing Aainball to Morrocco in 2006 and the sport involves significant running as well as the use of hands and feet for shooting and scoring.
Dipankar was invited to the first demonstration camp held in Kohima at Indira Gandhi Stadium which was collaborated with the department of youth resources and sports, government of Nagaland, where he gave training to some of Nagaland coaches and hostellers at the IG Stadium, Kohima, after which along with Indian president of the association, Pratap, and accompanied by NABA general secretary, Avizo Neinu, called on the Manipur Olympic Association (MOA) where the same sport was demonstrated.
Mentioning that till date the country has hosted four national championships with Assam donning the mantle twice, Dipankar also informed that Pragyan Sarma, Assam, holds the record as the most successful captain amongst the Indian states.