A new multipurpose hall was inaugurated at Chalietsüdi, Sechü (Zubza) on Tuesday, with Advisor to Chief Minister and Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association, Abu Metha, calling it “an investment in the dreams of our youth.”
The project, implemented by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, is part of the state government’s push to build similar sports infrastructure in all 17 districts of Nagaland. Metha said the government is committed to completing these within the year.
“This isn’t just a concrete building. It is a long-term investment in the aspirations of our youth,” he said at the event, which was attended by local leaders, villagers and school students.
He recalled the stories of Naga athletes who had risen against the odds — like Olympic archer Chekrovolu Swüro and footballers from the past who played barefoot and still made it to the national level.
“If a boy playing barefoot can captain the national football team, and a girl from an interior village can win 16 international medals, then surely this stadium too will produce champions — in sport, in character, and in spirit,” he added.
Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports, S Keoshu Yimkhiung, also spoke at the event and urged young people to take sports more seriously.
“We have talent. But what we need is full-time dedication and professionalism,” he said, calling on village councils to support and guide youth interested in sports.
Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, said the hall is more than just a structure — it is a space where future champions will be shaped.
“This is a foundation for opportunity, where dreams will take root,” she said, and thanked the department, the advisors, and especially Abu Metha for seeing the project through.
Director of Youth Resources & Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose, who chaired the programme, said this is part of a wider effort by the government to strengthen grassroots-level sports. All current projects are being funded from state resources, he said.
The program also included a prayer by Rev Javitso Lhousa, special songs by Asieno Kielienyü and students of Government Higher Secondary School Sechü-Zubza, and a vote of thanks from Neidilhoutuo Neibu Sechü.
