First Khelo India Centre for Badminton inaugurated in Wokha

Wokha, 8 May (MTNews): Khelo India Centre (Badminton) was inaugurated at Indoor Badminton Stadium, Wokha on 8 May by MLA 38 A/C Wokha, YM Humtsoe, a DIPR report said.

Speaking at the inaugural, YM Humtsoe thanked the Government of India and State Government for giving the opportunity to the people of Wokha district and promoting games and sports under the aegis of Khelo India to encourage youngsters of the district to participate in the field of sports, which he said will enable them to represent the district and the state even to the national and international levels.

He said that the district has immense talent at the grassroots level but due to lack of opportunities and facilities, it could produce only a negligible number of sportspersons. However, he expressed his optimism that, with the introduction of the Khelo India scheme, the district would be able to produce more sportspersons.

Humtsoe also reminded all the stakeholders of the district, that the district has a responsibility to encourage the youngsters to take up sports as a profession to produce more sportspersons to represent the state and the country. He also assured the youngsters of the district that the local representatives of the district will come forward and provide support to individuals who take up games and sports seriously.

Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Ajit Kumar Ranjan, IAS speaking on the occasion, said the day was momentous for the district as it is the first Khelo India Centre (Badminton) in the district. He expressed his gratitude to the GoI and the State Government for setting up the centre. The DC said that the centre will provide necessary equipment, coaching facilities and other kinds of support to the sportspersons, particularly to the young and upcoming sportspersons, and added that with the training facilities, the centre will nurture the young talents of the district.

Stating sports is not just about winning medals, the Deputy Commissioner said it also builds personalities, which inspires a person to inculcate the values of dedication, perseverance and hard work which ultimately lead to achieving excellence. He encouraged the participants to excel in whatever they do. He hoped that through the centre and with development taking place in the field of sports, the youth of the district will inculcate the values and it will make them better citizens.

Under Beti Bachao Beti Pahdao, the district also awarded certificates to the young achievers during the occasion – W Kikon (Archery) and Erenbeni P Lotha (Badminton).