Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio with other dignitaries during the inauguration of the astro turf pitch at IG Stadium in Kohima on January 28. (Morung Photo)
All district hqs will have astro turf football ground: CM
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 28
Nagaland today inked a new chapter in its sports history as Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the first astro turf football pitch at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima in commemoration of the 100th birth anniversary of Dr. T. Ao.
The CM further informed that the state government plans to set up astro turf football grounds and provide better sports infrastructure in all the district headquarters.
“We cannot expect our sportspersons to return with medals and accolades without providing them good infrastructure. I am hopeful that with the installation of this first Astro turf, we will begin the process of sports development in regard to football in Nagaland,” he said.
Referring to Dr. Talimeren Ao, the first Naga Olympian, India’s first football captain to the Olympic Games and a legendary figure in Indian sport, Rio said Ao was a towering figure who inspired a nation. "We should all be proud of him and at the same time we should strive to emulate the standards set by him.”
He meanwhile appealed to sports associations and federations to play a more proactive role so that “collectively we can work together as a team for the good and the future of our sportspersons.”
Er. Nimo Kath, Executive Engineer, PWD (H) Youth Resources & Sports Division, Kohima in his technical report informed that the project was conceived in 2013-14 with a total cost of Rs. 498.00 lakhs, with an initial funding of Rs. 100.00 lakhs from SPA, and Rs. 90.00 Lakhs in the year 2014-15. Nagaland state has had to bear an amount of Rs. 55.00 lakhs from State Plan and Rs. 40.00 lakhs from Non Plan from 2015-17 since the funding from SPA was discontinued.
Due to want of fund the project could not be completed in the stipulated time, he said, adding that the remaining fund of Rs. 213.00 Lakhs under Development Expenditure (Additional) was received in 2018.
The project was awarded to M/S Khedi Trade & Development Agency and the work commenced in November, 2014 with the time for completion of 24 months. The actual time of completion was four years and two months.
The Astro Turf at IG Stadium has been installed following FIFA specifications. It has a play field size of 105x66 Meters. It was informed that the turf is one of the best in the country with all other components except the Silica Sand being imported from the United States.
Youth Resources and Sports Advisor, Er Zale Neikha informed that the department is working towards installing flood- lights in the stadium, and furnishing it with necessary facilities to make the stadium suitable to host the national games in the future. “It is my hope that this national standard ground will boost the morale of the young talented footballers and inspire them,” he added.
Nagaland govt partnering with
Bhaichung Bhutia Football School
KOHIMA, JANUARY 28 (MExN): The Nagaland State Government is partnering with the Bhaichung Bhutia Football School for a game development plan, beginning with young footballers. This was informed by Nagaland State Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio during the inauguration of the astro turf at IG Stadium in Kohima today.
“Under-16 footballers from all over the state will get the opportunity to be a part of the program which will include exposure events and junior leagues,” he stated. “We are engaging proven sports consultants for an infrastructure development plan,” he added.
The CM stated that sports infrastructure includes human resources in the form of good coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, video analysts etc and that sportspersons need to be groomed at an early age with exposure, constant competitions and modern methods of training. “Understanding these aspects, the state government is working on strategies sports infrastructure development plan where every district will have quality sports facilities,” the CM said.
Former Indian football captain, Bhaichung Bhutia was also present as the special guest during the astro turf inauguration today and took part for one half in the exhibition match that followed.
Later, he spoke at the Dr. T. Ao Memorial Lecture in commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of Dr. T. Ao at Raj Bhavan, Kohima.