To enhance sports infrastructure in the state, the Nagaland government has spent approximately Rs 234 crore over less than two financial years, as revealed by Neibalie Rio, Special Officer to the Chief Minister of Nagaland. This announcement was made during his address at the 66th Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA) Meet held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Meriema on Tuesday.
As reported by East Mojo, Rio disclosed that Rs 127 crore was designated for sports infrastructure development in 2023-24, and Rs 107 crore has already been spent in the current financial year, 2024-25. In addition, Rs 39 crore was spent in 2023-24 to promote various sports activities, such as capacity-building programs for athletes, grants to the Nagaland Olympic Association, and sponsorships for athletes competing nationally and internationally. An additional Rs 13 crore has been allocated for similar purposes in 2024-25.
Rio highlighted the launch of the Nagaland Super League on Tuesday evening as an effort to raise the profile of local football players and provide them with an opportunity to compete at a national level.
Despite these efforts, Rio acknowledged that Nagaland has yet to produce consistent professional athletes who excel in national and international arenas. He stressed the importance of shifting the perception of sports in the state, urging stakeholders to recognize sports as a legitimate career option. Rio also appealed to parents to support and nurture their children’s talents, encouraging them to pursue sports as a full-time profession.