There is no denying that sports is a massive industry with limitless potential. Its contribution to physical health, mental well-being, and social cohesion is universally acknowledged. More than just a leisure activity, sports today is a dynamic force shaping individuals, economies, and communities. The role of games and sports in society, on and off the field, is both profound and multifaceted.
In this light, the recent resurgence of sports activities in Mokokchung is heartening. Various sports associations in the district deserve appreciation for their visible and structured efforts. Beyond organizing tournaments, they are initiating grassroots-level development through coaching and scouting programmes for young talents. The vibrant scenes at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, though the infrastructure remains far from ideal, reflect a district slowly but surely rekindling its sporting culture.
Yet, a closer examination reveals a sobering truth. Despite growing enthusiasm and changing perceptions, where more parents and schools are beginning to support children in viewing sports as a potential career rather than just a co-curricular activity, there remains a glaring gap. Mokokchung still does not have a single full-fledged sports academy to nurture and develop this emerging talent.
While coaching camps and clinics are steps in the right direction, they are not substitutes for the intensive and specialized training provided by academies. Identification of talent is only the first step; nurturing that talent to compete at the highest level requires structured, sustained investment. Currently, there are no known policies, partnerships, or scholarships aimed at sending promising athletes from Mokokchung to professional training institutions elsewhere.
This disconnect presents a critical dilemma. In our eagerness to promote sports, are we offering young athletes only a false sense of hope? Without the pathways and support systems to back their ambitions, even the most talented individuals may find their potential capped. Well-intentioned encouragement, without long-term infrastructure, risks relegating sports to the sidelines as a recreational pursuit.
For Mokokchung to truly become a sporting hub, the conversation must shift from enthusiasm to ecosystem. Building or facilitating access to academies, formulating local sports policies, and engaging stakeholders from the government to schools and parents are essential. Only then can we turn raw passion into real possibilities.