Dimapur, November 4: The ongoing Nagaland State & Para Games 2026 is witnessing growing participation and increased competition across various sporting disciplines, with athletes highlighting the importance of consistent training, dedication and better infrastructure to strengthen the sporting landscape in the state.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Games, athletes participating in the archery category, ranging from young participants as young as 12 years to senior competitors, shared their experiences and challenges in the sport. They described archery as a demanding discipline that requires rigorous training, hard work, patience and strong concentration. Comparing this year’s competition with the previous edition, the athletes observed that the standard of competition has improved, with more talented participants coming forward.
However, an experienced archer pointed out that despite the abundance of sporting talent in Nagaland, the state continues to face a shortage of adequate facilities and equipment for archery. She said tournaments and competitions such as these provide athletes with valuable opportunities to showcase their abilities, compete and grow in the sport.
The President of the Archery Organising Team also highlighted the growing interest in the discipline, stating that Nagaland has immense potential and many talented archers. She informed that this year’s competition has recorded increased district participation, with eight districts and 82 archers taking part. She further noted that Mokokchung district is making its first entry in the archery category this year, marking an encouraging development for the sport.
Meanwhile, athletes competing in badminton, representing Phek district, also expressed their enthusiasm for the sport, observing that the level of competition has improved this year. Sharing his experience, the player said the increasing participation and competitiveness were encouraging signs for the growth of badminton in the state.
Similarly, the captain of the Kohima district basketball team highlighted the dedication and commitment required to prepare for the competition, stating that the team had undergone months of practice under challenging weather conditions, including intense sunlight and rain. While acknowledging the abundance of talented basketball players in Nagaland, he expressed concern over the lack of adequate infrastructure and facilities for the sport. He appealed to the government to strengthen basketball infrastructure and provide more opportunities through tournaments and sporting competitions to encourage young people to take up and pursue sports.
The experiences shared by athletes across the different disciplines highlight both the growing sporting potential of Nagaland and the need for sustained investment in infrastructure, equipment, training facilities and competitive platforms to help local athletes develop and progress to higher levels.
