ES Reporter

NAHARLAGUN, Jun 23: Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) observed the International Olympic Day (IOD) here at the Likha Tara Complex on Tuesday maintaining the Covid-19 SOPs, participated by the executive members of the AOA, coaches, officials and players from various sports disciplines. Minister Sports & Youth Affairs Mama Natung joined the other events through videoconferencing.
As a part of the observation, AOA felicitated 30 coaches of different sports disciplines for their contribution to their respective fields. 
Speaking to the reporters, AOA Secretary General Abraham K Techi informed that due to the prevailing pandemic, the Association has restricted its usual celebrations. “Despite the pandemic and lockdown, we are observing the event following the entire SOPs,” he added. When asked about sports activities in the state during the pandemic, he informed that events couldn’t be organised in a big way like the previous years, however, a few competitions are still going on through online mode or videoconferencing. “We will definitely seek permission from the Indian Olympic Association to allow some of the events to be conducted that can be played by maintaining social distancing and other Covid protocols,” Abraham added.
Acknowledging the hardship being faced by the state’s sportspersons due to absence of multipurpose stadiums, the AOA Secretary General while asserting that there are plentiful sporting talents in state, admitted that lack of modern facilities is a deterrent to the realisation of the state’s sporting potential. “From Commonwealth to Asian Games our players are bringing laurels for the state, but due to the absence of a multipurpose stadium, the state is remaining deprived from organizing national events. On many occasions we have to erect bamboo tents to organize an event,” he lamented, also assuring that along with all the state’s sports associations, they will press for construction of a multipurpose stadium in the state.
Among others, AOA President Padi Richo, Karate Association of India (KAI) President Likha Tara and others spoke on the occasion.  
Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, GoAP observed the IOD wherein Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Mama Natung conducted a videoconference which was participated by all the stakeholders namely Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA), registered State Associations and officers of the department.
Interacting with the President and Secretaries of various Associations, Natung appealed the state’s citizens to engage in physical activities at home by maintaining Covid-19 SOPs. He also advised the Presidents and Secretaries of the registered Sports Associations to coordinate with their district-based units and motivate the athletes to stick to their daily training process at home and avail available training methods online.
Appreciating the AOA and registered sports associations, the Sports Minister appealed them to undertake more youth developmental activities across the state and congratulated the state’s coaches who were felicitated on the day for their untiring efforts and achievements. Inputs from Directorate of Sports 

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List