Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday congratulated the State’s four representatives selected for the Indian Women’s Sepaktakraw Team at the 20th Asian Games in Japan, urging them to carry forward their journey with dedication, discipline and determination.
A send-off ceremony for Nagaland’s representatives was held at the Conference Room of the Nagaland Cricket Association, Sovima, Chümoukedima, on August 24. The State’s representatives include women players Menenu Tsukru and Seyiekhrieno Tepa, and coaches Puleno Neikha and Pungotolu Puro.
The four have been selected as part of the Indian Women’s Sepaktakraw Team for the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to be held from September 19 to October 4, 2026, in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Addressing the programme, Rio congratulated the players and coaches on earning the opportunity to represent India at the continental sporting event. He said their selection was a recognition of their talent, hard work and commitment, and conveyed his best wishes on behalf of the State Government and people of Nagaland.
Emphasising the importance of dedication, discipline and determination in sports, the Chief Minister encouraged the sportspersons to maintain consistency in their preparation and performance, saying these qualities could help them progress towards the Olympic level.
Rio noted that Nagaland had produced three Olympians despite facing significant infrastructure constraints in the past. He said sports now offered greater opportunities, including avenues for employment, and asserted that the State Government was working to improve sports infrastructure and build a conducive ecosystem for nurturing talent from the grassroots.
He said the achievements of Nagaland’s sportspersons not only bring recognition to the State but also carry a responsibility to inspire and motivate the younger generation to pursue excellence.
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Observing that Nagaland had made considerable progress in sports, Rio recalled that the State secured affiliation with the Olympic movement only four decades after attaining statehood. He assured continued government support for sportspersons and urged the youth to pursue sports with commitment and aspire to represent Nagaland and India at the highest levels.
Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN, Abu Metha thanked the Chief Minister for his guidance and support towards strengthening Nagaland’s sports ecosystem.
Metha described the selection of the four representatives as a significant achievement for the State and said it reflected the growing importance being accorded to sports. Highlighting the performance of Sepaktakraw players at national and international competitions, he expressed confidence that the Nagaland contingent would continue the State’s strong tradition in the sport.
Referring to Sepaktakraw, he said that the sport had consistently brought medals at national and international events and wished the players and coaches the very best in their upcoming competition.
Metha also highlighted the progress being made in sports in Nagaland, including improvements in infrastructure and the development of the sports ecosystem.
He encouraged the sportspersons to set higher targets, including the upcoming Commonwealth Games and the Olympics, and continue working towards achieving them.
The selection marked the fifth consecutive Asian Games since 2010 in which Nagaland’s Sepaktakraw players and coaches had represented India.
