KOHIMA: The 3rd North East Games 2024 commenced amidst much excitement on March 18 as Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio officially declared the event open at the Games Village, Sovima in Chümoukedima.
Welcoming dignitaries and athletes from across the region, Rio, also the head of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), stressed on the significance of the Games as a platform to showcase sportsmanship and foster unity among the Northeastern states.
In his address, Rio underscored the vast potential of the Northeast, not only in terms of picturesque landscapes and mineral resources but also in its human capital.
Despite facing challenges, particularly in connectivity, Rio expressed pride in the region’s achievements in sports.
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“The Northeast holds only 3.1% of India’s population but 6.72% of total athletes represented the country at the 2016 Rio Olympic, while in the FIFA under-17 World Cup, 11 of the 21 players were from the region,” he was quoted as saying by the local press.
With athletes from various Northeastern states converging, the NE Games 2024 promises to be a celebration of sportsmanship and athleticism across 15 disciplines.
The North East Sports Association has precisely planned the schedule and venues, spanning three districts—Chümoukedima, Dimapur, and Kohima—to transform the state’s landscape into vibrant arenas of athletic skill and competitive spirit.
The grand finale on March 23 will witness a memorable closing ceremony at the Games Village, where winners will be honoured for their remarkable performances and unwavering commitment to fair play.
Echoing the sentiment that sports unite communities, Rio further expressed his wish for all participants to enjoy a memorable experience in Nagaland, believing it will inspire the region to reach new heights.
“Nobody can stop the Northeast to move forward, especially in the field of sports,” he added.
