A newly constructed futsal turf and children's park named “Parkside Arena” was inaugurated at Toluvi Village in Dimapur on Thursday, January 30 by S. Keoshu Yimchunger, Advisor to Youth Resources and Sports, and Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor to Industries and Commerce. The initiative aims to provide a recreational and sports facility for the local community, particularly the youth.  

Addressing the gathering at the inauguration ceremony, Advisor Hekani Jakhalu emphasized the importance of such initiatives in promoting community engagement and youth development. “I am working really hard for Dimapur III. I won’t be able to do it alone, but only with the support of all,” she stated.  

She further highlighted that the futsal turf will be managed in collaboration with private parties to ensure its maintenance and sustainability. According to Jakhalu, government departments alone may not be able to efficiently run such facilities. “Unless the revenue is generated, it cannot run. If it is just like another public facility, it will just be like throwing it away. It will finish in 2-3 months. But if it is run properly like a business, then only it will be able to sustain itself,” she explained. She also informed that as part of the revenue-sharing model, the management of the facility would contribute Rs. 1 lakh per year for the first five years to the village council.  

Jakhalu also stressed the growing concerns of youth-related issues, including substance abuse. She pointed out that due to the influence of social media and limited avenues for positive engagement, young people are often vulnerable to negative influences. “These days, youth in various villages, especially the younger ones, when they don’t have access to different types of entertainment or things to do, it leads to a lot of frustration, which results in drug abuse, which is on the rise. It is still under cover, people don’t talk about it, but it is a very worrying issue,” she remarked. She expressed hope that the newly established facility would serve as a constructive outlet for youth in Toluvi and the surrounding areas, allowing them to develop their football skills and pursue the sport professionally.  

Speaking at the event, Advisor to Youth Resources and Sports, S. Keoshu Yimchunger, underscored the government's commitment to promoting sports among young people. “Talented young Nagas, most of them are going in the wrong path because of not finding proper employment. That is why the Indian government and the state government, in order to control this issue, are focusing on sports,” he stated. He also highlighted the Indian government's long-term vision for the sector, noting that 2047 has been earmarked as the year to achieve excellence in sports.  

Yimchunger further emphasized that Nagas possess a natural inclination and physical ability for sports. “The Nagas, by blood and inborn nature, are sportspersons. If we give our hearts to sports, we will surely go a long way,” he remarked, encouraging youth to take up sports seriously.  

The newly inaugurated facility is expected to benefit not just the residents of Toluvi Village but also young people from East Dimapur and its neighboring areas. With an emphasis on both recreational and professional development, the initiative aligns with the broader goal of promoting sports as a viable career option.