Dimapur, August 24: The two-day Nagaland Darts Championship 2026 concluded on August 22 at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur, bringing together darters from Dimapur, Kohima and other districts to compete for the state championship title.
Held from August 21 to 22, the championship saw increased participation this year, reflecting the growing interest in darts across Nagaland.
Nagaland Darts Association (NDA) President Shri David Solo welcomed the participants and thanked the host sponsor and Dimapur members for organising the championship. Encouraging the players to give their best, he said, “May your minds be still, may your hearts be calm, may your aim be true.”
NDA Secretary Burakum told Nagaland News Network that 40 participants competed across the Singles, Draw Doubles and Rookie categories. He said the association aims to provide darters with opportunities to compete at national and international levels, adding that some Nagaland players are already representing the state nationally.
Burakum also said public response and participation in darts have been improving, while the NDA is working towards affiliating the sport with the Nagaland Olympic Games to encourage wider participation.
At the closing ceremony, Nagaland DGP Rupin Sharma (IPS) recalled playing darts during his childhood, when the sport was not formally organised. He expressed happiness over its growth in Nagaland and described darts as an affordable but challenging sport requiring skill, concentration and precision.
Sharma called for district-level competitions to create more opportunities for aspiring darters and highlighted the potential for darts in Nagaland, citing the natural ability for aiming among the people.
He also expressed concern over the lack of sponsorship for emerging sports, saying greater financial support would be necessary for darts to grow. Sharma further spoke about the need for positive role models for the younger generation.
The DGP also said he would try his best to introduce darts within the Nagaland Police, describing it as a “promise of hope” to support the development of the sport.
The championship concluded with the final matches, followed by prize distribution and concluding remarks, marking another step in the NDA’s efforts to promote darts in Nagaland.
