The Mokokchung District Junior Athletics Meet 2025 was held on August 30 at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, with 63 athletes competing across three age categories — Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18 for both boys and girls. The event was organised by the Mokokchung Athletics Association (MAA) under the aegis of the Nagaland Athletics Association (NAA).
The meet was observed by Moalong Jamir, representative from the Nagaland Athletics Association, who arrived a day earlier to assist and ensure that the competition was conducted in line with NAA guidelines.
The meet was inaugurated by Imlitoshi Walling, Treasurer of the Mokokchung District Sports Council (MDSC). In his address, he thanked the NAA observer and the organisers for their initiative in promoting athletics in the district.
Addressing the participants, he said that while government jobs are difficult to secure in the present day, sports has opened up a new avenue for career building.
“Sports is not to be taken lightly. It demands discipline, hard work, and the determination to compete with the best. If you dedicate yourself, you will not only create opportunities for a career but also have the honour of representing your district, your state, and even the country,” he remarked. He also encouraged the young athletes to remain fit, build friendships, and stay committed, expressing hope that some of them would represent Nagaland at the national-level events in Ranchi later this year.
The Under-14 category featured triathlon formats, where participants chose from three different sets that included combinations of 60m sprint, long jump, high jump (scissor technique), back throw (1kg shot put), and 600m run.
For the Under-16 and Under-18 groups, individual track and field events were held, including sprints
ranging from 60m to 1000m, long jump, high jump (scissor technique), and shot put, with equipment specifications according to age and gender.
Eligibility was strictly verified through Aadhaar, with the following cut-off dates applied:
U-14: Born between 25/09/2011 – 24/09/2013
U-16: Born between 25/09/2009 – 24/09/2011
U-18: Born between 25/09/2007 – 24/09/2009
Each U-16 and U-18 athlete was permitted to participate in only two events, while U-14 competitors could enter one triathlon set.
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The closing ceremony was graced by Er. Chutsusie Thowachu, Executive Engineer, Electrical Division Mokokchung, who distributed medals and certificates to the winners. He commended the organisers, officials, and athletes for their efforts in ensuring a smooth conduct of the meet.
All 63 athletes who took part in the competition were also given certificates of participation. The organisers further informed that winners from the district meet will be shortlisted to represent
Mokokchung district at the 2nd Nagaland Junior Athletics Championship 2025, scheduled to be held in
Kohima on September 10. Selected athletes will also be provided travel allowance for the state-level competition.
In his concluding address, Rongsentoshi Jamir, President of the Mokokchung Athletics Association, expressed gratitude to the participants, noting that their enthusiasm encourages the association despite being a relatively new body in the district. He reminded the young athletes that while they are still known by their parents’ names, it is now time to bring recognition to their families through their own achievements.
He urged the athletes to remain dedicated and assured that those selected from this meet will carry
Mokokchung’s name to the state championship in Kohima. He also appealed to parents to continue supporting their children so that future stars can emerge from the district.
Following the meet, members of the Mokokchung Athletics Association held a brief discussion with
Moalong Jamir, the NAA observer and athletics coach, on measures to further strengthen the association in the years ahead.
