Chief Minister reiterates commitment to sports infrastructure, qualified coaches and wider opportunities for athletes across the State
The Nagaland State & Para Games 2026 Special Award Ceremony was held at the Hokato Hotozhe Auditorium, Games Village, Police Complex, Chümoukedima, on November 13, under the theme “Stronger Together”, with Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio announcing a cash award of Rs 25 lakh for para-athlete Hokato Hotozhe Sema in recognition of his bronze medal achievement at the Asian Para Games 2026.
Addressing the gathering as the Special Guest, Rio congratulated the organisers, participating athletes and all those associated with the successful conduct of the Games. He said sports brought people together and provided an important platform to identify, encourage and nurture sporting talent in Nagaland.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to promoting sports and creating better opportunities for young people. He said the Government would focus on developing sports infrastructure, engaging qualified coaches and providing necessary facilities across all districts to help athletes improve their performance.
Encouraging participants to aim higher, Rio urged them to aspire to represent not only Nagaland but also the Northeast and the country at higher levels of competition.
He also congratulated the Department of Youth Resources and Sports for receiving the SKOCH Silver Award for its Grassroots Football Festival (Baby League). He extended congratulations to the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) on the Government of Nagaland receiving the Golden Beaver Award in recognition of its contribution to arts, culture and music.
Director General of Police, Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, IPS, said the Nagaland Police had extended all possible assistance for the smooth conduct of the Games. He said arrangements had been made to ensure the safety of athletes, officials and visitors, besides providing security and logistical support across the venues.
Sharma observed that the Games were about more than competition, as they brought people together and promoted unity and mutual understanding. He expressed hope that athletes would carry the spirit of friendship and camaraderie back to their respective districts. He also reaffirmed the Nagaland Police’s commitment to supporting and nurturing sporting talent and helping athletes reach national and international levels.
Chairman of IDAN, Adviser to the Chief Minister and Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), Abu Metha, thanked the Chief Minister for his vision, guidance and continued support, which he said had been instrumental in making the Games possible.
Describing the event as the biggest sporting event in the State, Metha said more than 1,600 people were involved in its organisation and conduct, with athletes from all 17 districts participating in 14 disciplines.
He said the Games had been conducted successfully without any major disruption or untoward incident and acknowledged the contributions of sports associations, government departments, supporters and other collaborators. He also informed that a software-based management system had been used to manage the event and that several State records, particularly in athletics, had been set during the competitions.
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Highlighting the growing visibility of the Games, Metha said the event had received significant engagement on social media, particularly Instagram, with athletes themselves contributing to its wider reach.
He further informed that the NOA had conducted a seminar and workshop on safeguarding women and children in sports. He noted that the initiative made the NOA the first sports body in the country and the first State Olympic Association in Asia to organise such a programme.
Metha also highlighted the inclusion of para-athletes in the Games for the third time, stating that sports should bring people together and ensure equal opportunities for everyone. Appreciating Hokato Hotozhe Sema and his achievements, he said the para-athlete had inspired young sportspersons to aim higher. He added that naming the auditorium after Sema was a gesture of recognition and would serve as an inspiration to athletes across the State.
During the medal presentation ceremony, Chief Minister Rio presented medals to winners in the Para Games and boxing categories.
In the Para Games, Piulinbou Pamei won gold in the Blind Men’s Shot Put, while Odimongba secured gold in the Blind Men’s 100-metre race. In Deaf Women’s Arm Wrestling, Lanutola Jamir won gold and Khareimi received silver.
In men’s 69 kg Welterweight boxing, Letminthang of Phek won gold, Zuchamo of Chümoukedima secured silver, while Wochothung of Niuland and Martensu of Zunheboto received bronze medals.
In women’s 51 kg Flyweight boxing, Manchen of Mon won gold, Sochano of Phek secured silver and Toingam of Kohima received bronze.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Kupoto Shohe, Joint Secretary of the Nagaland Olympic Association.
