The Nagaland State and Para Games (NSPG) cum Inter-District Boxing Championship 2026 officially got underway with a grand opening ceremony at the 1st NAP Ground, Chümoukedima on November 10. Organized under the aegis of the Nagaland Amateur Boxing Association (NABA) in affiliation with the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) and the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), the four-day championship will continue through November 13, 2026.
A total of 62 athletes (Male- 49 & Women -13) representing various districts across Nagaland are competing for top honors across 8 weight categories, exemplifying the championship’s theme of sportsmanship and athletic excellence under the banner “Together for Sports, Stronger Nagaland”. The opening programme was graced by CL John, Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change and Village Guards, as the Special Guest.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
The ceremony was chaired by Manphoa Konyak, Vice President, NABA. Proceedings commenced with an invocation offered by Dr Rev P James, Pastor, Poumai Baptist Church, Chümoukedima. Alemwapang Ao, President, NABA, delivered the welcome address, extending greetings to all dignitaries, officials, coaches, and participating pugilists. Attendees were treated to a special musical performance by Nola (Menangnola) before the formal address.
Addressing the gathering, the Special Guest, CL John encouraged the athletes to embrace discipline, perseverance, and true sportsmanship inside and outside the ring, emphasizing the vital role of sports in empowering youth and strengthening communal unity across the state. The minister subsequently inaugurated the tournament by formally declaring the bouts open.
The championship ring saw intense action immediately following the declaration, featuring opening fixtures in both Men’s and Women’s divisions.
The opening day lineup featured a total of 13 bouts across the following weight categories:
Men’s Division (12 bouts total): Light Fly (49 kg): 4 bouts, Flyweight (52 kg): 3 bouts, Bantamweight (56 kg): 4 bouts, Lightweight (60 kg): 1 bout, Women’s Division (1 bout total): Light Fly (48 kg): 1 bout.
