Asian Para Games, National Games Goa medalists felicitation program held at Raj Bhavan, Kohima

Kohima, 30 November (MTNews): Felicitation Program for the medalists of 4th Asian Para Games, Hangzhou and 37th National Games Goa was held in the presence of the Governor of Nagaland La Ganesan and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at Raj Bhavan, Kohima on 30 November 2023.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor congratulated the achievers of the 4th Asian Para Games, Hangzhou and the 37th National Games, Goa. He saluted Hokato Hotozhe Sema who won the Bronze medal in shot-put in the 4th Asian Para Games, Hangzhou, China. He added that it was a historic win for both the state and the country. The Governor further expressed his happiness for the Athletes who won 8 medals in the 37th National Games, Goa.

The Governor congratulated the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) for their contributions towards this huge accomplishment and expressed his happiness at NOA for actively organizing and participating in the games and sports events at the state level, the national level and also at the international level. He was also glad to learn that the Nagaland Olympic Association would be hosting the North-East Olympic Games in 2024 for the first time. He requested the Association to continue the good works in creating more platforms for the athletes and bring more opportunity and training facilities to bring more medals for the state.

The Governor underlined that uplifting games and sports can help in curbing unemployment problem of the state and also the menace of drug abuse which is posing a threat to the lives of many youngsters. The Governor said that the Department of Youth Resources and Sports can also play a vital role in enriching the talents of Naga youths. He added that Nagas are second to none and with the support from the concerned government departments and stakeholders, they can compete with others and excel to greater heights.

Chief Minister Neiphui Rio, who was also the special guest, congratulated the achievers and officials of NOA, and the Department of YRS. He acknowledged the Governor for always opening the doors of Raj Bhavan to promote the youth and people of state. He said that the Naga sportspersons brought laurels after a long gap and also said that the government is trying to bring sports infrastructural development in all the districts and impart proper training with facilities. He added that the government intends to hire good coaches, dietitians, and physiotherapists to promote the talented youth. He called upon the sportspersons to sacrifice and maintain self-control, discipline, commitment and determination to achieve their goals. He expressed his happiness that the state is achieving and improving in the field of various sports activities slowly and gradually.

All together 28 medallists brought laurels to the state at the 37th National Games, Goa. The Governor and Chief Minister handed over the certificates with cash awards to the medalists, coaches and physiotherapists. The bronze medalist Hokato Hotozhe sema (4th Asian Para Games) was awarded a cash of Rs 5 lakhs. The National Games Gold medalists were awarded Rs 3 lakhs, Silver medalists awarded Rs 2 lakh each and the bronze medalists awarded Rs 1 lakh each.

Achievers in different events at the National Games includes Kethinlo K Thono (Pencak Silat); Lüke Kibami (Pencak Silat); Akumtila, Menenu Tsukru, Rukuvinu Tsukru, Sezovelu Dozo, and Seyiekhrieno Tepa (Women Team Event & Regu Event in Sepaktakraw); Preeti (60 Kg in Boxing); Lüke Kibami, Avilali V Sheqi, Hinokali (Regu Women in Pencak Silat); and Jwensinle Kesen, Nyukai S, Kechosenu Hibo, Kezevino, Pungotolu Puro, Angshan A Konyak, Wantai H, Leingam, Tiajungla, Monshai (Women Team in Pencak);Sanju (66 Kg in Boxing) and Sudhir Chauhan (87 kg in Taekwondo).

The program also saw the display of Pincak Silat and a special song presented by Thunglamo Ngullie and Zareni Kithan. The program was attended by founder of NOA Lanu Toy, Advisors, MLAs and other officials.