Synergize the energy

Much has been said about the status of games and sports in Mokokchung. Almost everyone who is passionate about games and sports, of which almost every other Naga is no doubt, is concerned about the status of games and sports in Mokokchung. We encountered a rude awakening when Mokokchung hosted the Dr. T. Ao Trophy Inter District Football Tournament earlier this year. Since then, a lot of sports enthusiasts have voiced their concern and expressed their opinion, at least on social media platforms, of what needs to be done. There is a growing sense of desperation and hopelessness among the sports enthusiasts because there is no one to support them. Our youngsters are energetic, innately blessed with the disposition to perform well in any sporting discipline of their choice even without any formal training. Yet, there is no sign of any compunction on the part of the authorities to seize the opportunity and pave the way forward for games and sports in Mokokchung. There could be some nominal efforts made, for formality’s sake, but that is not going to be enough. Yes, there may be some people in seats of authority who are genuinely interested in promoting and developing games and sports in Mokokchung, who are actually doing what they can, but much more remains to be done still.

A number of sporting events are happening in the district almost every week. Go to any village and one will see young boys and girls engaged in sporting activities. Almost every village community hall is utilized as a mini indoor stadium. Be it football, volleyball, badminton, cricket, table tennis or basketball, to name a few, almost every village has at least a club or a team, a good number of players. Every village has a students’ body with each having a sports department. In fact, even the apex AKM has a sports department. Even the church these days has realized the importance of games and sports. In the towns, every ward has a sports club/body or at least a youth organization with sports-leaning activism. There are sports tournaments of all hues happening all over the district throughout the year, most of which are running for decades. Almost all of these sports activities are happening without any government aid. The energy is there in Mokokchung district. This energy must be synergized. But who will do that?

Even the public leaders are aware. Recently, a minister while speaking at the closing ceremony of a major sporting event suggested that the Mokokchung District Sports Council must be revived to resurrect Mokokchung’s lost grandeur via sports and to enhance the district’s sports scene. Indeed, if there is one entity that can transform the sports landscape in Mokokchung, it is the MDSC. Nagaland as a whole is languishing far behind other states in the field of games and sports. But there are genuine people who are seriously concerned about the status of games and sports in Nagaland. It is hoped that the scenario will improve sooner than later. In the meantime, what should Mokokchung do? We are far below par as was evidenced during the recently held Nagaland Olympic and Paralympic Games. Yet, we can and we must pick ourselves up and forge ahead. We should be asking what Mokokchung can do to take Nagaland sports forward.