Athletics has long been called the mother of all sports, and rightly so. The most fundamental forms of human movement, namely running, jumping, and throwing, are the very building blocks of nearly every sport known to us. No game can exist without athleticism at its core. A strong base in athletics not only sharpens sporting abilities but also builds discipline, physical fitness, and endurance. These qualities are essential in life as much as in competition.
Sports today is fast becoming a viable profession and a global industry. Governments and institutions worldwide are investing in grassroots sports because they recognize that a strong culture of athletics strengthens every other sporting discipline. For Mokokchung, too, the message is clear. If we wish to see our youth succeed in professional sports, we must first strengthen athletics as the foundation of sporting development.
This conviction is reflected in the efforts of the Mokokchung Athletics Association, which has announced the selection of 20 young athletes to represent the district at the 2nd Nagaland Junior Athletics Championship 2025 in Kohima. The team of 15 boys and 5 girls will compete across different categories and events. These athletes are not only chasing medals; they are carrying the hopes of a district that wishes to see its youth shine on larger stages.
Yet it is troubling that the district association is compelled to seek financial aid to cover basic costs such as food, lodging, uniforms, and local transport. While Nagaland Athletics headquarters will provide travel support, the remaining gap in resources could dampen the spirit of these young competitors.
Surely, as a community that often comes together for many causes, we can step forward for this one. Athletics is not just about producing champions. It is about creating healthy bodies, sharp minds, and confident young citizens. Even if a child never takes up sport professionally, the lessons learned through athletics like discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and self-belief will guide them through life. At its most basic level, athletic activity is a bulwark against sedentary lifestyles, offering health and wellbeing to individuals and vitality to society.
Supporting athletics is not an act of charity but an investment in our youth, in our shared future, and in the dignity of sport itself. Athletics is the mother of all sports; will Mokokchung give it the care and support it deserves?
