Mokokchung, October 25 (MTNews): The Rising People’s Party (RPP) has put the state government’s sports ‘cartel’ under its scanner and has propounded its own sport policy to be pursued if the party is voted to power.
Saying that while the state government makes “big noises” about developing sports in the state, it added that the fact of the matter is that a “cartel of politicians and extra-constitutional authorities” controls all the sporting activities in Nagaland.
“The recent spate between a retired DGP and his colleagues in the NOA (Nagaland Olympic Association) brought out this point precisely,” RPP claimed.
It also said that the recent “thrashing of iconic footballer Bhaichung Bhutia in the AIFF presidential election where the NFA (Nagaland Football Association) voted against him is also a good example of the cartel putting politics over sports.”
RPP said that it promises to demolish “the cartel which has done nothing for sports in the state except giving lip-service” if it comes to power.
“Our core competent areas in sports will be identified, pursued and developed,” it promised. Citing an instance, the RPP said that during their walkathon around Nagaland, it was discovered that Mon district has much potential for sports.
It further propounded its own ‘sports policy’ for the state which included reforming sports administration and other policies ranging from streamlining of all sports associations under Nagaland Olympic Association to unveiling a ‘Nagas in Olympics, a Special Vision 2032’. It also proposed streamlining of TaFMA.
RPP Sports policy:
1. Sports administration will be handled by sports persons. All the sports associations under NOA will be streamlined.
2. Special thrust will be on Shooting, Wrestling, Boxing, Cricket, other combat sports, Football, Badminton, and Archery. At least any two of the above disciplines will be made part of the school curriculum as per the proficiency of the districts.
3. Nagas in Olympics, a Special Vision 2032 will be unveiled.
4. 3-5% of the state budget will be earmarked for sports.
5. The state team for any discipline in sports shall comprise of at least 75% indigenous Nagas.
6. Henceforth, any prospective school will not be given permit/license to start a school unless there’s sufficient playground.
7. National level sportspersons will be honoured with job security either in the police or in the sports department.
8. TaFMA will be streamlined. All music and sports activities will be directly handled by the Directorate of Youth Resources & Sports.
9. A Hall of Fame for sportspersons will be set up and their accomplishments will be made part of the school curriculum.