Chief Minister Rio said much has to be done in promoting indigenous games and also suggested the need to form expert committees on wrestling so that proper rules are regulated and reviewed.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on Friday had emphasized on the need to promote indigenous games especially wrestling and said that of all the sports played in the state, wrestling being an indigenous game could not reach out to many Naga tribes, except the Tenyimia taking forward this indigenous game.
Rio was speaking at the inaugural programme of the Naga Wrestling Championship held under the 50th Meet of Angami Sports Association (ASA) at Local Ground Kohima.
Expressing happiness over the decision of ASA to popularize wrestling amongst the other Naga tribes and hoped the various Sports Associations would support and take the game to greater heights.
The Nagaland Chief Minister was of the view that many things have been achieved, but much has to be done in promoting indigenous games while also suggesting the need to form expert committees on wrestling so that proper rules are regulated and reviewed.
He was of the view that if wrestling is categorized in light, medium and heavy weight, it would attract more participation and added that the state has promising sports talents however, due to the lack of funds for proper infrastructure and training facilities, its young talents were unable to compete with others.
Rio also invited the sportspersons to avail the facilities available in the newly built Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) office in Kohima and informed that the Regional Centre for Sports Excellence (RCSE) is being set up at various locations of the state.
He later said that besides Kohima or Dimapur, the state government is planning to set up the Sporting centres in all the districts of the State.