Much has been said about the status of sports in Mokokchung in this column and elsewhere but nothing copious has changed on the ground. While it is true that change and development cannot happen overnight, it is also true that not much effort has been made to actually bring about the much desired change. The government has a major role to play in the development of sports, particularly when it comes to infrastructure development, but the private agencies as well as the citizens also have their own respective roles to play. It is only when all the stakeholders synergize their energy that real development can take place.
Sports without a doubt is a major industry in India and it is projected to become a US$100bn industry by 2027. The Indian sports industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, growing at 15% annually. In a place like Mokokchung, where sports is still regarded more as a leisure or recreational activity than a serious profession, it is difficult to expect wholehearted support from the stakeholders. However, things are slowly improving and it is hoped that more positive and proactive participation from interest groups and individuals will propel fast and effective change.
As has been pointed out in this column before, one of the main bottlenecks faced by the sports industry in Mokokchung is the lack of an ecosystem, without which it is practically impossible to scale greater heights or produce state and national champions. There seems to be no policy framework at all. The Mokokchung District Sports Council should wake up from its slumber. The District Planning and Development Board may set aside a special fund exclusively for promotion and development of sports in the district. MDSC, or any relevant body for that matter, may call a sports summit with special focus on policy formulation for sports development. Besides, it is also about time for Mokokchung to get a sports academy.
The role of sports and its contribution to education, personal development, community development, health and well-being, economic development, entertainment, and promotion of brotherhood and fraternity cannot be ignored. All of these and more can be achieved only if or when there is an active and strong sports body in Mokokchung.