The Longleng District Sports Council held the induction programme of the Phom Sports Association (PSA) and its federating units on May 16 at the VCC and VDB Hall, Longleng, with MLA A Pongshi Phom attending as the special guest.
In his keynote address, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the Longleng District Sports Council, W Manpai Phom, NCS, said Longleng district is set to strengthen its sports framework with the formation of four Area Sports Associations under the Longleng District Sports Association (LDSA).
He said the district had lagged behind in sports activities due to the absence of a dedicated apex body and discipline-specific organisations for promotion and technical support.
Following consultations with the Longleng District Sports Association and other apex bodies, four federating Area Sports Associations were constituted: Shakshi Area Sports Association, Longleng ASA, Yongyah ASA and Tamlu ASA.
Manpai Phom said this was the first time such bodies had been formed under the guidance of the LDSA and added that all sporting activities and achievements in the district would function under its banner.
Addressing the gathering, A Pongshi Phom said the formation of the PSA had long been a genuine aspiration of the Phom community. He congratulated the Deputy Commissioner and all those who contributed towards establishing the association.
He emphasised the importance of building a strong grassroots sports foundation and urged office bearers to work sincerely for the growth of the association.
The MLA also called on youths to prioritise physical health and disciplined lifestyles while abstaining from substance abuse. He further urged unity and commitment towards achieving the aims and objectives of the association.
SDO (Civil) Longleng, P Pukha Lam, NCS, presented the report of the nomination committee, while the induction prayer was pronounced by Executive Secretary, PBCA, N Tialemba Phom.
The newly inducted office bearers of the Phom Sports Association and its federating units were felicitated during the programme. Short speeches were delivered by PSA representatives and PPC president Y B Angam, while Lichei Y Phom presented a special song. The programme was chaired by District Sports Officer Longleng, Kenongoto Thokhwe, who also delivered the closing remarks.
