The Mopungchuket Village Sports Federation (MVSF) and Mopungchuket Village Council on February 13 accorded a warm welcome and felicitation to 52-year-old Mongsen Longkumer of Mopungchuket village, who won the gold medal for India at the WAKO India Open International Kickboxing Cup 2026, held from February 4 to 8 at the K D Jadhav Indoor Stadium, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi. Mongsen Longkumer was received at the Mopungchuket village gate where his villagers dedicated a victory song to him for his achievement led by Guru S Pangyang Ozukum. A brief felicitation programme was later organized at the MSM Conference Hall.
Competing in the Light Contact (Veteran) category in the –84 kg division, Mongsen weighing 75 kg, fought on February 7. In the final bout, he overcame his opponent from West Bengal to win the gold medal. The two Indian fighters had advanced to the title clash after winning their respective bouts in different groups. Earlier, Mongsen secured his place in the final by defeating Salah Fathi Mohamed Azzazi of Egypt in the Semi-final.
Gold medallist, Mongsen Longkumer expressed gratitude to the Mopungchuket Village Sports Federation (MVSF) and the Mopungchuket Village Council for the warm welcome reception accorded to him. Sharing his experience of competing on an international platform for the first time, he said the tournament was historic as India hosted the event for the first time, which opened opportunity to athletes from the Northeast to participate. He noted that if the competition had been held outside the country, participation would have been difficult. Mongsen credited his victories over his opponents to the prayers and support he received.
Speaking about his journey, he said his love for sports began in childhood and that he never abandoned it over the years. He added that he continues to play with the same interest and discipline, maintaining himself physically, which contributed to his success. Acknowledging that competing in tournaments becomes more challenging with age, he said the achievement held special meaning for him. Addressing the youth, Mongsen said everyone has talent, and if that talent is used with focus and without distractions, dreams can be realized.
He recalled taking part in various national-level events during his youth and stated that had he lost focus or been involved in intoxicants, he would not have achieved his present success. He also observed that sports has grown significantly in recent years and that a career in sports is promising, but pointed out the lack of a strong support system in society, urging greater encouragement and support for sportspersons.
Akumyanger, General Secretary of the Mopungchuket Village Sports Federation (MVSF), said that today’s generation is no longer defined by violence or conflict, but by the pursuit of excellence in different fields such as professions, academics, sports, and other areas where victory is achieved through ability and effort.
He stated that in the time of their forefathers, recognition was associated with headhunting, where individuals were honoured for such acts. However, with the advent of Christianity and the changes that followed, the outlook and understanding of society have transformed. In the present context, success is measured by how individuals excel in their chosen fields using the talents they possess.
In this regard, Akumyanger said that Mopungchuket village is fortunate to have a person like Mongsen, who has won and brought laurels to the village, the community, the state, and the country. He pointed out that this achievement is particularly significant as the Sports Federation is not even a year old, and yet has already witnessed such success.
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He thanked Mongsen for bringing honour through his achievement and said that at a time when the world is moving at a very fast pace and many continue to place their hopes mainly on government jobs, Mongsen’s success in sports, especially as an elder, stands as an important example and lesson for the youth.
Brief exhortations were delivered by Nukshitemjen, General Secretary, Mopungchuket Senso Mungdang; and Imyumeren Jamir, Tatar.
Meanwhile, Rongsentoshi Jamir, President of the Mokokchung District Martial Arts Association (MDMAA), congratulated Mongsen on his achievement and shared insights into the formation of MDMAA in 1991 by like-minded individuals who recognised its importance. He also spoke on how villages and organizations such as the MVSF can play a role in supporting sportspersons in the future.
The programme was chaired by Ayimjem Jamir, President of MALT. The invocation was pronounced by Lipoktsungba, Associate Pastor (Home), MBA, while the blessing prayer was delivered by Rev. Jongpong, Pastor, MBA.
Earlier on the day itself, the Mokokchung District Martial Arts Association (MDMAA) also received International Kickboxing Gold Medalist Master Mongsen Longkumer upon his arrival in Mokokchung. The association also organized a felicitation programme at the residence of the MDMAA Treasurer, where both Master Mongsen Longkumer (Gold) and Riaj (Bronze) were honoured for representing India at the international event.
Five fighters from Nagaland participated in the tournament under the leadership of Khetoho Zhimomi, President of the Nagaland Association Kickboxing Organization (KAKO). The contingent included Mongsen Longkumer, who competed in the Light Contact (Veteran) category in the –84 kg division; Temsunungsang in the Low Kick (Senior) –75 kg category; Kulungshi Newmai in the K1 (Senior) –54 kg category; Rokato in the Full Contact (Senior) –60 kg category; and Riaj, who competed in the Low Kick (Senior) –60 kg category.
