143 young aspiring athletes of Noklak District, of which 94 were men and 49 women, gathered at Noklak Ground on 23 November 2023 to take part in the first Rural Sports for Thang Range (Noklak District) Athletics. The event was organised by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Government of Nagaland under Innovative Programme 2022-2023.

The participants despite their lack of infrastructure and any sports related departments showcased their true sportsmanship spirit.

Chongsop P amazed the spectators by winning the 5000m Race (Women), with a timing of 23:28.53. She also got first position in the 1500m Race and 800m Race in the first position.

Sha S. clocked a time of 18:55:60 to win the 5000m Race (Men).

Speaking at the inaugural program, Special Guest Vikhoto Richa, SDO (Civil) Noklak District, Nagaland, remarked “If we look at the talents of the people of Noklak District especially in sports, we are second to none.” He added that the district is the current champion of the athletes despite lacking infrastructure. While congratulating DYRS for organising the Rural Sports Meet, the SDO also requested the department to continue in assisting the young athletes to nurture talents from the district.

Giving the example of neighbour state Manipur being the powerhouse in sports despite the challenging times faced by the state, Richa said that it is a great lesson for many and encouraged the young athletes to stand up. With inner will to succeed, nothing can stop the athletes not even internal interference, he stated. The SDO further appealed for the improvement of infrastructures and called for the need to change sports policy so that many young talents would come out of the district.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

“Organising this kind of event is a step in the right direction and it is an initial step”, he said, expressing hope that the department will continue taking such initiatives so that one day Nagaland can also become a sports hub in the country.

Richa further exhorted the participants that dedication is the foundation of any kind of success. Pointing out the sad reality of Nagaland where promising persons waste their time because of indiscipline, he said that youths need discipline in sports to excel. The SDO also hoped for the young athletes to one day bring glory to the district, state and to the nation.

Deputy Commissioner, Noklak, Arikumba, speaking as the Special Guest of the closing program stated that the event is a great opportunity for the enthusiastic athletes who lack exposure to showcase their talents. The DC expressed his appreciation to the YRS department for giving privilege to Noklak District despite the challenges of road condition and the district being in a remote location.

Arikumba hoped to witness more of such events in the coming days and expressed his appreciation for more than the expected participants. He requested the concerned department to share the enthusiasm and interest of the young athletes to the higher ups.

The DC strongly urged the participants of the Rural Sports Meet to practice regularly and have strong determination in order to succeed in their lives. Stating that there are many scopes in sports field, he further urged the youths to abstain from involving in anti-social elements, while lamenting that this issue is the biggest throwback of the district.

The Rural Sports Athletic Meet concluded with anticipation that the athletes will bring more laurel to Noklak district in the future.

Winners list: 

100m Race (MEN)

First – Luponk K; Second – Lungo L; Third – Bumat A

100m Race (Women)

First – Thingpia P; Second – Chongtie P; Third – Sheutang P

800m Race (Men)

First – Nukom L; Second – Khaosai T; Third – Pushu L

800m Race (Women)

First – Chongsop P; Second – Tongkem K; Third – Tongjen

1500m Race (Men)

First – Khongpe P; Second – Sochu; Third- Ngon

1500m Race (Women)

First – Chongsop P; Second – Phaam T; Third – Moniu C

5000m Race (Men)

First – Sha S; Second – Sochiu S; Third – L Bule

5000m Race (Women)

First – Chongsop P; Secong- Moniu C; Third – Shongmao H

Long Jump (Men)

First – Bamat A; Second – Thengem L; Third – Melang

Long Jump (Women)

First – Chongkhei S; Second – P Laam; Third – Nuthoi P

Shotput (Men)

First – Longlam T; Second – Longo L; Third- Melang

Shotput (Women)

First – Nianchai; Second – Niakting S; Third – Tsouniu