The present government under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio was committed to raising Nagaland Police Sports Battalion in the state and for which the foundation stone has already been laid, said Patton
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Nagaland’s deputy chief minister and in-charge of home, Y Patton, on Thursday said that Nagaland police has attained a degree of “sustainable maturity and experiences in sports”. He also exuded confidence that it was time for the state to adopt a sports policy by identifying sports disciplines best suited for the Nagas.
Patton was speaking at the culmination programme of the 39th edition of Nagaland Police duty cum sports meet held at NAPTC Stadium, Chumukedima, Dimapur.
Mentioning that Nagaland police have already proved its existence in sports activities at the inter-state, national and international platforms, Patton also said that the event helped revive the spirit of oneness thereby renewing the bond of fraternity amongst the uniformed personnel.
He was of the opinion that the kind of events ought to be held with more vigour, enthusiasm and also with an objective to develop the spirit of healthy competition.
Asserting that policing is a “challenging and stressful job”, Patton maintained that with such sporting events, the personnel’s physical, mental health and fitness including that of the officers would be improved.
He further added that the sporting meet would encompass not only games and sports but also it would exhibit the skills in many different fields.
Stating that the police meet dates back to 1967 when the first meet was held, Patton said since then, Nagaland police have produced many outstanding sportspersons in various disciplines.
He also said that the present government under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio was committed to raising Nagaland Police Sports Battalion in the state and for which the foundation stone has already been laid.
The deputy chief minister also informed that Astroturf football ground within the police complex is under construction with a vision to provide improved infrastructures.
Earlier, Patton took the band salute followed by the finals of the drill competitions and combined musical presentation by the 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Battalion pipe band and PTS Brass Band.
The 5th NAP battalion emerged as the winner in the drill competition. 13th NAP (IR) emerged as the overall champion of the sports meet which saw a total of 32 teams participating.