Wokha, 18 December (MTNews): A football ground constructed by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports under the Khelo India initiative at Lakhuti Village under Wokha District was inaugurated by Advisor of Youth Resource & Sports, S Keoshu Yimkhiung on 16 December 2023.
Special guest, S Keoshu Yimkhiung stated that the Khelo India project at Lakhuti village is the first Khelo India construction project to be completed and inaugurated in the state. He attributed its success to the constituency MLA for his dedication, envisioning the ground as a blessing and a source to produce a lot of talented players. He further emphasized the need to uplift Naga youth, regretting missed opportunities of many talented youths.
The Advisor informed that the department’s training academy would invite talented youths to audition during the talent hunt of sports and to be trained professionally at the training academy. He underscored the rise of women in various fields, predicting their future dominance in the state.
Advisor, Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan thanked the State Government and the Department of Youth Resources & Sports for presenting a special Christmas gift to the people of Lakhuti Village.
He expressed optimism that through this facility, many young talented sports personalities could be produced to represent the District as well as the State. He also expressed his gratitude to the landowners for contributing the land generously for the project and to the contractor for completing the project much ahead of the stipulated time period.
Yanthan also urged the Wokha District Administration, Department of Youth Resources & Sports and the village authority to take shared ownership to maintain the football ground at its best to facilitate and encourage the youngsters to take up sports as a profession.
Director, Youth Resources & Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose while delivering vote of thanks stated that the Lakhuti football ground under Khelo India Project was first to be completed in the State. He expressed his gratitude to the Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan for rendering his relentless support extended towards the Department and to the contractor to complete the project much ahead of the stipulated time period. Chairman, Lakhuti village in his speech thanked Advisor, Mhathung Yanthan for implementing the project, emphasizing its significance for the community.
Presenting the technical report, EE YRS, Er Swedi Kiso informed that the estimated cost of the football ground was rupees five crores. Other highlights of the program included traditional song by Lakhuti Eloe Ekhung, welcome address by Chairman, Lakhuti Village Council, Mhonthung Yanthan and dedicatory prayer by Rev. Ezano Odyuo, Pastor of Lakhuti Baptist Church. The program was chaired by Secretary YRS, Antony Ngullie NCS.