Dimapur, November 13: Nagaland State & Para Games 2026 Special Award Ceremony was held at the Hokato Hotozhe Auditorium, Games Village, Police Complex, Chümoukedima, on November 13, with Nagaland Chief Minister and Nagaland Olympic Association President Dr. Neiphiu Rio as the chief guest.
Director General of Police, Nagaland, Rupin Sharma attended the programme as the honoured guest, while Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist and Asian Para Games bronze medallist Hokato Hotozhe Sema was the special invitee.
The programme was chaired by Abu Metha, Vice President of the Athletic Federation of India and Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association.In his address, Abu Metha highlighted several milestones achieved during the conduct of the Nagaland State & Para Games 2026.
He said the Games have adopted a software management system to manage and operate the sporting event, with athletes having registered online nearly two months before the Games began. He said the system is enabling the monitoring and collection of data, which will be analysed after the Games and is expected to contribute towards the formulation of sports policies and future strategies for the State.Metha also highlighted the achievements of the Nagaland Olympic Association, stating that it is among the few sports bodies in the country to have adopted internationally recognised quality management standards.
He described the development as a significant achievement for the State’s sporting fraternity.He further informed the gathering that the Nagaland Olympic Association had become the first sports association in the country and the first State Olympic Association in Asia to conduct a seminar and workshop on safeguarding in sports.
The workshop focused on important issues including the safeguarding of children, athletes and women in sports, as well as sexual harassment, misuse of power, sexual discrimination and cultural discrimination. Certificates were awarded to participants, and representatives from various sports associations, along with the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, took part in the programme.
Metha said international resource persons were also involved in conducting the seminars and workshops, and the initiative has received appreciation from the sporting fraternity across the country.Speaking on the performance of athletes and districts, Metha said the State and Para Games have helped bring Nagaland together through sports.
He expressed happiness that all 17 districts of the State featured on the medal tally, with no district being left without a medal.He further said that every district had won more medals than they did during the previous edition of the Games, indicating improvement in sporting performances across the State. Several significant records were also broken, particularly in athletics, where more than a dozen new State records were set.
Metha expressed hope that athletes would continue to improve and break more records in the future.He also highlighted the growing digital and social media reach of the Games, stating that the Nagaland Olympic Association had received its highest-ever social media traction. He said the media footprint, particularly on Instagram, had gained widespread attention, with athletes themselves playing a major role through their social media handles and participation.
According to him, the growing online engagement is helping showcase Nagaland and its sporting talents to a wider audience across the world.Metha also announced another significant milestone for Nagaland football, stating that the State would host an Indian National League match for the first time on November 14 at the football stadium near the Games Village.
He said that after more than 60 years of Statehood, Nagaland football was reaching the national level, with Nagaland United Sports Club scheduled to play against Kerala United. He described the occasion as a historic moment for Nagaland sports and said the team was carrying forward the sporting legacy towards the national stage.
Speaking as the honoured guest, DGP Rupin Sharma stressed the importance of encouraging young people who excel in sports. He said the police department would give additional encouragement and recognition to individuals who are good in sports in order to promote sportsmanship and motivate more young people to participate.He further said that investment in the youth must continue and urged everyone to keep working together and pushing forward.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment towards the development of sports and sporting infrastructure in Nagaland.He said the government would continue to work towards strengthening sports facilities and infrastructure, including the development of the multi-disciplinary sports complex. He expressed confidence that once the infrastructure projects are completed, Nagaland will have greater opportunities to produce more talented and successful sportspersons.The Chief Minister also spoke about the Dr. T. Ao Trophy and said it was encouraging to witness the final match being conducted peacefully, with the players displaying true sportsmanship.Rio urged athletes to remain committed to their training and to believe in their own abilities.
He emphasised the importance of dedication, discipline and commitment in achieving success in sports.Congratulating the athletes and the sporting fraternity for their various achievements, the Chief Minister said he looked forward to many more positive developments and sporting successes for Nagaland in the years ahead.
The ceremony recognised the achievements and contributions of athletes and sporting personalities while highlighting the State’s efforts towards promoting excellence, inclusivity, athlete welfare and the overall development of sports in Nagaland.
