Five South Asian countries which included Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are participating in the championships.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Nagaland is all set to host the second South Asian Athletics Federation Cross Country Championships (SAAFCCCs) and the 56th National Cross Country Championships (NCCCs) on Saturday at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on Saturday.
Five South Asian countries which included Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are participating in the championships.
An official bulletin on Friday stated that out of the nearly 600 participants in the events, about 50 athletes would compete in the International section and 34 States and Boards in the National section while a total of eight events would take place for both the championships.
Addressing media persons Friday evening, president, Athletics Federation of India (AFI), Adile J Sumriwala, said the federation is looking forward to the events and expressed happiness that the Nagaland Athletic Association (NAA) has put in their best efforts in terms of preparation, providing facilities to the athletics and technical assistance.
He said that the AFI believes that Northeast region has tremendous talent and hope youngsters would be enthusiastic to witness the event and take part in the sports.
Sumriwala further added that AFI was trying to identify talent (s) through the event and to support Nagaland where high performing coaches were entrusted to train the state team.
South Asian SAAF president, Dr Lalit K Bhanot, who also addressed the media, said that due to the Covid-19 pandemic there was no international programme in South Asia for the past two years.
He said this event would be a “good exposure” for the athletes while also adding that the event would also boost the morale of the athletes in Nagaland.
Associate vice-president, AFI, and Advisor to Nagaland Chief Minister, Abu Metha informed that out of the actual budget of Rs 4.6 crore estimated for the events, Nagaland government has sanctioned Rs 2.3 crore, out of which, 50 percent of the amount sanctioned have been received.
Metha also informed that Bank of Baroda is sponsoring Rs 18 lakh for the event.
Meanwhile, Kohima district administration has issued traffic regulation for smooth conduct of the events. Vehicular movement has been totally restricted till 6 pm on Saturday in the stretch of road on NH-2 between Indira Gandhi Stadium and KMC Tata Parking/Northfield junction.
Also heavy vehicles would not be allowed to ply in Kohima Municipal/ New Capital Complex area from 6 am tomorrow. Further, no parking will be allowed from new NST to Razhu Point to Northern Gate of Local Ground.