Nagaland organised its first edition of the state Olympics 2017 in Dimapur city, attracting young athletes from across the state.
Organised by the Nagaland Olympics Association in collaboration with the 12 participant associations, the sporting event in various disciplines were held across 10 different locations in Dimapur which included the Police Complex Chumukedima, Tetso College, Niathu Resort and Lawn Tennis Centre, Kuda Village.
Nagaland Governor P B Acharya inaugurated the event at the DDSC stadium in Dimapur.
Speaking on the occasion, Convener of the Organising Committee, Abu Metha told the gathering, "It is compulsory under the Olympics charter to have this event at least every two years."
However, he said that it was the state's aim to organise the sports every year instead for the benefit of the sports fraternity.
"And if we get the support like how we are getting the support of the state government, definitely we should conduct the game every year to promote sports. It is the preparation for the national games and all senior events around the country," he added demanding support from the authorities.
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During the five-day long Inter-district competitions for men and women, sportspersons from 11 districts of the state participated and competed in various sports, including athletics, archery, boxing, badminton, football, lawn tennis, sepak takraw, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, wrestling and wushu.
Each discipline in the tournament was conducted by the respective affiliated state sports associations under the supervision of the Technical Committee of the games.
With 96 medals, Kohima district emerged as the champions of the first Nagaland Olympics 2017.
Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang gave away the trophy and the medals to the winning team which was followed by loud cheers from the audience.
The essence of sports can be traced back from the olden days as it has been an essential part of the lifestyle of the people of the northeast region.
"Government should be more proactive in organising such sports events in the future and bring the people together as one. It is a good step taken by the government and we hope in the future too, they will organise such events like this," said a local resident.
During the closing ceremony of the mega-event, various music bands and home grown artists gave powerful performances and belted out their popular songs.