Abu Metha discusses roadmaps with AFI to promote athletics in Nagaland

Mokokchung, 21 July (MTNews): Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), and Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), held a significant meeting with Dr Lalit K Bhanod, Chairman of the Planning Committee of AFI, in New Delhi today. The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss various roadmaps and initiatives aimed at promoting athletics and track and field in the northeastern region, particularly Nagaland.

The key points of discussion, as per a DIPR report, revolved around introducing a top-level education program for coaches and technical officials in Nagaland, which will be conducted under the auspices of the AFI. Another important proposal on the table was the establishment of a special coaching camp for talented athletes in Nagaland guided by national and international coaches.

During the meeting, it was noted that Nagaland had previously hosted a capacity-building workshop for technical officials from the northeastern states in Kohima. Officials who completed the AFI certification course during that training were given opportunities to officiate at various national-level competitions, including the National Games and the Khelo India Games. Nagaland had also successfully hosted the South Asian Cross Country Championships under the guidance of AFI.

“Nagaland Athletics, in collaboration with the AFI, is actively working on a roadmap to promote and develop young athletes in the field of athletics and track and field, to nurture them to become future champions,” the DIPR report stated.

Metha expressed appreciation to the AFI, led by President Adille Sumariwala and Planning Chairman Dr Bhanod, for their constant support, guidance, and a special focus on the northeastern region.

During the meeting, Metha conveyed his congratulations to Dr Bhanod and the AFI for the remarkable performance of the Indian Athletics Team at the recent Asian Athletics Championships in Thailand, where India secured a record-breaking 27 medals. The AFI was also honored with the Best Performing Federation at the Asian Athletics Association Awards Ceremony.

Joining Metha in the meeting was former champion long jumper, Anju Bobby George, who is also the Vice President of AFI, and Chief National Coach, Radhakrishnan.