Sports promoters felicitated
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jun 23: The Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) on Saturday celebrated Olympic Day by felicitating sports promoters and those individuals, officials and coaches, who have contributed for development of games and sports in the state.
Two media persons were also felicitated on the occasion for their remarkable contribution in promoting games and sports.
They were awarded a trophy and citation each in recognition of their immense contribution toward development of sports in Arunachal Pradesh.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Alo Libang, Parliamentary Secretary (Sports and Youth Affairs) Nyamar Karbak and other dignitaries presented the trophies and citations to the individual awardees at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here.
“The youths of the state possess innate talents. The skills and abilities of the youths must be harnessed through proper planning,” Libang said.
He advocated for establishing one sports school each in every district.
“Through sports, an athlete can earn not only personal glory but also livelihood, if pursued sincerely,” he said, and encouraged the young players to strive for excellence in their chosen disciplines through hard work.
Sports Authority of Arunachal Chairman Bamang Tago called upon the sports officials, administrators, coaches and sports bodies of the state to work as a team and make concerted efforts for development of games and sports in the state.
“To see development, we must work as a team with responsibility and utilize the limited resources judiciously,” said Tago.
He informed that there are a total of 36 registered sports associations in the state, out of which, only 17 are ‘active’.
Parliamentary Secretary Nyamar Karbak assured to take up the demand for appointment of coaches for various sports discipline with the government.
Earlier, AOA Secretary Generel Abraham K Techi reiterated the demands for early construction of multi-purpose indoor stadium, Olympic Bhawan and appointment of 100 trained coaches for various sports disciplines. He urged Minister Libang to take up the demand with the state government.
AOA president Padi Richo and vice president Gechi Doke also highlighted the importance and significance of celebrating the Olympic Day.
AOA treasurer Likha Tara also spoke on the occasion.
Karate, Judo, Taekwondo and Kick-Boxing demonstrations were other highlights of the celebration.
The programme was attended by the sports administrators and officials, representatives from various sports associations, coaches and trainers.
At Pasighat, the day was celebrated by the East Siang Olympic Association (ESDOA) with a series of events in the IGJ Higher Secondary auditorium to encourage youths to get involved in sports.
Retired Group Captain, M Panging Pao appreciated the ESDOA spreading Olympic values in the district, and asserted that positive aspects of sports and games are numerous and beneficial for physical skills, develop leadership and self-esteem.
He also informed that those who have participated at national and international levels in the field of sports and games, representing the state, would directly be inducted to the Indian armed forces.
District Sports Officer Nada Apa opined that East Siang district has developed true team spirit.
“To find a suitable sport is difficult, but parents should encourage and motivate their children and wards to play sports to help them feel valued”, added Apa.
ESDOA president Tamat Gamo informed the gathering that International Olympic Day was initiated in 1948 to commemorate the commencement of the modern Olympic Games on 23 June, 1894 at Sorbonne in Paris. The goal of this day was promotion of sports all across the world without any exception.
Hundreds of girl students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya demonstrated self-defense techniques and black belt holders Anirudh Sahani, Ashok Sahani and Asique Hussian displayed kata and bumkai. (With inputs from DIPRO)