Sports in Mokokchung seems to be facing a steady decline, and while there may not be any authoritative claim to fully back this observation, the signs are unmistakable. Across Nagaland and the northeastern states, we hear of athletes achieving national and even international success. Yet, the same cannot be said for Mokokchung, where the sports scene is struggling to stay afloat. When was the last time an athlete from Mokokchung made headlines by winning a national or international event? The answer eludes us, which is a concerning reflection on the state of sports in the district.
This decline isn’t just limited to elite athletes. At the grassroots level, participation in district-level tournaments is dwindling. For instance, tournaments that once attracted over 20 teams now struggle to muster half that number. Inter-ward competitions also see low participation, with nearly half of the wards opting out for reasons that remain unclear. Even the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) has reportedly had to postpone registration deadlines for the upcoming tournament due to a lack of interest.
If this downward trend continues, it won’t be long before there’s little point in organizing these competitions at all. This raises a critical question: what is causing Mokokchung’s lack of interest in sports?
There could be several underlying factors. One possibility is the district’s economic situation. Sports, after all, requires funding — not just for events, but for training, facilities, and equipment. Could it be that the economy of Mokokchung is failing to sustain sports activities? Another possibility is that today’s youth are simply less physically active, preferring other forms of engagement. If so, where are they investing their time if not in sports and how productive are they?
It’s also worth considering whether sports administration and various sports associations have failed to keep the momentum alive. Could better planning, more funding, or greater community engagement reignite interest in sports?
At its core, sports is a multi-billion-dollar industry with limitless opportunities, both on and off the field. If Mokokchung’s youth are turning away from sports, what other avenues are they pursuing? Perhaps a thorough study is necessary to understand this trend. For Mokokchung to thrive, its youth must remain physically active and engaged in games and sports, as it offers not only physical and health benefits but also opportunities for careers and personal growth. It’s time to address this issue before it’s too late.
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