Rio-led Government’s Push Toward Sports Development Continues

Sovima Police Station necessary even for security of sports persons: CM Rio

Sovima, November 5 (MTNews): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio during the inauguration of Sovima Police Station on Saturday at Sovima Village, Chümoukedima said that the new Police Station was necessary not only for the security of the 14 villages that fall under its jurisdiction, but also to provide security to sports persons – particularly those from national and international teams.

“The Nagaland Cricket Ground (Sovima) hosts many BCCI matches such as the Ranji Trophy, Cooch Behar Trophy, and Col’ C.K Nayudu Trophy,” he said.
The Sovima Police Station was inaugurated by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Y. Patton.

In his address, CM also stated that his family was fortunate to have sold the land to the government for a very reasonable price, where so many sports activities could take place.
Reiterating his government’s sincere commitment to sports, he urged youths to actively pursue sports as a profession, claiming that sports is one of the shortest and easiest paths to fame and fortune.

He also stated that the state government has already set aside cash awards for state/national/international medal winners, and that the government has already established a sports police battalion to recruit successful athletes into the police force.

Because Sovima is a hub for sports and youth activities, the CM urged police officers to be more vigilant and do an admirable job, while also cautioning them to be more sensitive in dealing with the public and emphasizing the importance of community support in maintaining law and order.

Stating that the location has many government and private institutions such as St. Joseph University, ICFAI, Testo College, Zoological Park, Shokhuvi Railway Station, and so on, he urged the police personnel to render their best possible service in the service of the people.

Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Y. Patton thanked the Chief Minister for his visionary leadership and personal initiative in making the new police station a reality. According to Patton, the primary duty and responsibility of the police is to maintain law and order, as well as to prevent its violation.

“The police officer is the most visible representative of the government during times of need, danger, crisis, and difficulty,” Patton said. While referring to the challenges of today’s world, particularly in the area of information technology and, in particular, the use of social media, he admitted that the Police Department needed to strengthen its infrastructure and mechanisms in order to upgrade their expertise in the field of cyber-security.

CM Rio inaugurates Loyem Memorial Astro Turf Ground in Tuensang

Meanwhile, later in the day, the Chief Minister also inaugurated Loyem Memorial Astro Turf Ground in Tuensang where he said that his government is committed to empowerment of the youth through sports and games.

The Chief Minister in his speech said how it was only in 2004 that the Nagaland Olympic Association was affiliated with the Indian Olympic Association and lamented that the State Government had no resources and that they had to wait for the resources from the Central government.

The Chief Minister also praised the district for becoming the second district in the state to have an Astro Turf ground and expressed his joy over how the district has done it sooner than other districts.

“Astro turf grounds have been sanctioned in other districts like Mon, Mokokchung and Dimapur; however, you all have completed it earlier than expected. It is our hope that the rest of the districts will also complete it by this year,” the Chief Minister said.

Highlighting once again the government’s dedication to uplift the youth in sports, the CM said the representation submitted by the Chang Students’ Conference asking for gallery extension and rostrum will be looked into the matter by the Department of Youth Resource and Sports under Khelo India.

The Chief Minister also encouraged youths to practice playing cricket saying that players in the BCCI get paid in large amounts up to Rs.20 – 30 lakhs and encouraged that sports discipline must be selected from a young age.
Taking to twitter, he urged the young people of Tuensang to dedicate themselves to reap the benefits of the Loyem Memorial Astro Turf Ground while expressing hope that the district will soon produce sportspersons of international caliber.

“We are in the process of developing new and modern sports infrastructure in different parts of the State. I urge the young people of Tuensang to dedicate themselves to reaping the benefits of this facility and there will be no doubt that the district will soon produce sportspersons of international caliber,” he tweeted.