Kohima, August 29 (MTNews): Joining the rest of the country, Department of Youth Resources and Sports organized various activities in Kohima marking the occasion of National Sports Day on Monday to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend, Major Dhyan Chand.
On the occasion, Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports Er. Zale Neikha conveyed his gratitude to the sportspersons of Nagaland who brought many laurels to create a statement of what they can do with sports discipline.
He said the day aims to create awareness about physical activities, sports, and overall health and lauded the support of coaches, trainees and families towards the uplift of athletes and sportspersons.
He added National Sports Day gives people the perfect opportunity to get themselves interested in the world of sports and thus to adopt a healthy and fit lifestyle.
Secretary to Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS), Wezope Kenye IAS speaking on the occasion said Nagaland is also performing at par with the other states of India. “We just witnessed few days ago athletes coming together from all corners of Nagaland in the spirit of sports,” he said.
With more than 2000 athletes from 16 districts participating and taking away 347 medals back home, he said, “We have shown impeccable passion towards sports and I wish all the athletes the best for their endeavor.” He added, “As we celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play, may this day inspire us all to lead a healthy and active life.”
In celebration with the Sports Day, the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Nagaland conducted various activities to mark the occasion. The department started with a fitness regime at I.G Stadium in the morning with branches of DYRS officials, I.G Students and Coaches taking part in the event.
While a day-long program was held for I.G students by conducting various indigenous games. A hockey friendly match was played at KIC Jakhama to mark the birth anniversary of hockey legend, Major Dhyan Chand and concluding the day, DYRS played a friendly football match with School Education Department. Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, Zale Neikha graced the exhibition match as the match patron. During the match, DYRS defeated School Education by 4-1 goals.
It may be mentioned that National Sports Day is celebrated on 29th August to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend, Major Dhyan Chand. The day is also dedicated to the nations’ sports heroes and champions, honoring their contribution and dedication towards bringing laurels to the country.
With the aim to raise awareness about the values of sports – discipline, perseverance, sportsman spirit, teamwork – and to encourage the public at large to take up sports and make it an integral part of their lives while emphasizing on the importance of being fit and healthy.
Nagaland CM greets on National Sports Day
“The National Sports Day is observed on 29th August every year to commemorate the birthday of Indian Hockey Legend Major Dhyan Chand who won medals in the Olympics for India in the years 1928, 1932 and 1936.
Today is the day when tributes are made to all the sportsmen and women of the State for bringing laurels to the State, and a day to encourage about the importance of sports and being physically active in daily life.
Nagas have proven that sports is a part and parcel of life, and sports is taken up seriously as a profession as evident from the recently concluded Nagaland Olympics and Paralympics Games-cum-Inter District Tournaments, where many medals were won, and promising athletes identified.
Today, I wish all the sportsmen and women of the State a Happy National Sports Day, and urge upon all athletes to persevere higher and stronger.”