Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio announced Rs. 50 lakh for Angami Sports Association (ASA) during its golden jubilee tournament. Around 500 sportspersons from 80 villages of four Angami regions are participating in the 5 day long event.
The money donated will be in the form of fixed deposit to boost sports activities in four Angami regions (Northern Angami Sports Association, Western Angami Sports Association, Southern Angami Sports Association and Chakhroma Sports Association).
Gracing the meet as the chief guest, Rio called upon the ASA to utilize the fund well and hoped that it would generate positive sports prospect under ASA.
He said sports provide equal right and opportunity to all as it is played under certain laid down rules and regulations and enables sportsperson to compete in absolute fairness.
Rio said that politics, war, race and even religious divide can be bridged through sports, bringing closeness and unity among the people.
Maintaining that among the many professions, sports forms the most important one, the most respectful and lucrative profession, he urged upon the youth to make the best use of their talents and also adopt a competitive spirit to excel.
He said sports transmit good health, physical fitness and healthy minds. Sports also develop a sense of competition, discipline and togetherness.
In this, he urged upon the sports persons to be committed and strive to earn medals at the national and international level.
Touching on Naga style wrestling, Rio stressed on the need to popularize and spread this indigenous game elsewhere. Through this, he said, the world will come to know well about the Nagas and their unique identity.
He expressed happiness over the indigenous games practiced by forefathers which are still being continued with great enthusiasm.
Earlier, Rio unveiled the ASA golden jubilee monolith.