Mokokchung still has a long way to go when it comes to meaningful sports development. The State government may or may not be able to provide adequate support for sports development but the sports fraternity in the district must find ways for sports development. One of the most critical needs for sports development anytime anywhere is institutional support. Without it, sports development is simply not possible. Institutional supporters are nonprofit institutions, including colleges or universities; associations; professional societies; and local, state, and central government agencies and their affiliated offices. Institutional support for sports development in Mokokchung is practically non-existent and there is no framework for institutional support in place. As stated umpteen times in this column, a revamped MDSC is the best and most ideal way forward for sports development in Mokokchung. A proactive and influential MDSC has the potential and scope to be a conduit for channelizing the much needed institutional support for sports development in the district.
There is no dearth of talent and enthusiasm in Mokokchung. The Futsal tournament at the lone privately owned turf in Mokokchung attracted 21 teams, including a good number of participants from outside the district – indicating the potential for niche sports tourism. The ongoing Under-20 football tournament saw 16 teams each with 16 players participating in the tournament organized by a group without any institutional support at a venue that miserably lacked institutional support. The tournament featuring 256 football players under the age of 20 is quite a huge talent pool in the context of Mokokchung and Nagaland by extension. There are words doing the rounds that another Under-15 tournament is in the offing. The Futsal tournament has also proved that the sport is the latest fad in town and it looks like it is going to be around for a long time. All of these are pointers that Mokokchung needs institutional support for sports development.
Institutional support is essential for sports development in Mokokchung for several reasons.
Infrastructure: Mokokchung needs well-equipped sports facilities such as stadiums, tracks, turfs and training centers to promote sports development. Institutional support, along with private parties, can provide the necessary funding for constructing and maintaining these facilities.
Talent identification and development: Mokokchung has a lot of potential for producing talented athletes. Institutional support can identify and nurture young talents through various programs such as coaching, training, and competitions. This process requires a well-structured and sustained program that provides training, exposure to competitions, and support to athletes.This process can help produce world-class athletes.
Regulation: Institutions can establish rules and regulations that govern sports development, including eligibility criteria, doping control, and fair competition. These regulations ensure that the sports are safe, fair, and transparent.
Promotion and marketing: Institutional support can promote sports and market them to the public to increase their popularity and generate revenue. This revenue can be used to further support sports development in Mokokchung.
Employment opportunities: Sports development can create employment opportunities for people in Mokokchung. Institutional support can provide funding for sports-related businesses, such as sports equipment stores and sports academies, which can create job opportunities for the local population.
In summary, institutional support is essential for sports development in Mokokchung because it provides funding for infrastructure, talent identification and development, access to facilities, promotion and marketing, and employment opportunities. The only question is where to begin – and revamping the MDSC is the closest answer.
