The 34th Langpangkong Students’ Conference (LKM) Sports Festival 2026 commenced on January 29 at the Langpangkong Tzükong Government High School ground, Chuchuyimlang, and would conclude on January 30.
The Sports Festival, a triennial event, was earlier organized together with the conference; however, this year marks the first time it is being conducted as a separate event. The festival is being hosted by the Chuchuyimlang Village Council in collaboration with the Chuchuyimlang Students’ Union. Around 550 delegates, as invited by the host village, are participating in the event.
It was further informed that from the next edition onwards, the Sports Festival will be held prior to the conference, during which all league matches will be played, while the finals will be conducted during the conference, which takes place every three years.
The Sports Festival would continue to be held at Chuchuyimlang, as it is the headquarters, and the venue will remain unchanged irrespective of the host village, since the grounds and courts have already been developed and well maintained for the purpose.
In this sports festival, age below 20 years 50% and age above 20 50% to participate equally, with that age above 20 years in football five persons and 3 persons in volleyball game.
The sports festival is featuring three main events: the Men’s Football Tournament, Men’s Volleyball Tournament, and Women’s Volleyball Tournament. The football and volleyball competitions are being conducted under the supervision of the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) and the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association (MDVA) respectively. The champions and runners-up of each tournament will be awarded cash prizes along with trophies, while the individual awards in the football tournament include Most Promising Player, Best Goalkeeper, Player of the Tournament, Highest Goal Scorer, and Best Defender. Individual awards for both the men’s and women’s volleyball tournaments will include Best Setter and Best Spiker.
A total of 12 villages are competing in the men’s football tournament. The participating villages are Kangtsung, Salulamang, Akhoya, Asangma, Longkong, Chuchuyimlang, Unger, Changtongya, Merangkong, Kelingmen, Mongsenyimti, and Wamaken.
The inaugural football fixtures were played simultaneously on two grounds. At the ground one, defending champions Kangtsung faced Akhoya Village, where Kangtsung won the match with a final score of 1-0. Meanwhile, at the second ground, Longkong defeated Unger by a margin of 2–0.
Meanwhile, the volleyball matches for both men and women were also played simultaneously on two courts. In the men’s volleyball tournament, the opening match was played between Changtongya Yimsen and Chakpa in best of five sets, with Changtongya Yimsen registering a win with final score 25/11, 25/9, 28/30 and 15/25. The women’s volleyball tournament also commenced with its inaugural match between Salulamang and Chuchuyimlang. Played in a best of five, the scoreline 25/20, 25/12 and 25/13 went in favour of Salulamang.
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During his address, Lepzungchiba Jamir emphasized that sports is not merely about medals, trophies, or applause, but a process that shapes one’s character and personality. He stated that discipline, proper training, and the ability to accept defeat are essential qualities in sports, adding that one cannot be considered a true sportsperson without learning how to face failure and rise again.
Sharing his personal life experiences, Jamir said he came from a humble background with no support system and had encountered numerous failures and difficulties. He recalled moments when hope seemed absent, but said he made a firm decision not to surrender to any circumstances and resolved to move forward regardless of challenges.
Addressing the Langpangpkong Students citizens, he urged them not to limit themselves based on their background, questioning why they should not aspire to progress despite difficulties.
Referring to the purpose of the programme, he noted that recognition is not meant for lazy or day dreamers, but for those who are courageous, hardworking and willing to change their direction in life. He concluded by stating that success does not depend on luck or others, but on one’s behaviour, lifestyle, determination, hard work, and aspirations, which will ultimately shape their future.
The programme included an opening presentation by the Children’s Ministry of Chuchuyimlang Baptist Church, followed by flag hoisting by the Guest of Honour and the official kick-off and the commencement of the LKM Sports Festival.
LKM President Imlinok delivered the presidential address, while a representative from the Riongsanger Putu Tatar Salang, Chuchuyimlang delivered the welcome address. Imtinuklu Jamir Sports Secretary, LKM conducted the oath taking and introduction of the players.
A total of 19 village students’ unions are currently affiliated with the Langpangpkong Students Conference (LKM), although there are several more villages within the Langpangpkong region.
The event is an initiative of the past leaders of the Langpangpkong Students Conference, dating back to the 1940s. From 1953 onwards, the focus was formally extended to organising sports tournaments, which perhaps would be among the first of its kind in the state. The initiative was taken forward by the early leaders with the belief that sports, alongside the conference, served as a powerful force in uniting the people of Langpangpkong during that time. Although the event faced periods of challenge and irregularity over the years, it was later revived and has since been conducted consistently with the continued belief that sports bring together and unite the entire Langpangpkong community. Through this sporting platform, many youngsters from the Langpangpkong range have emerged as accomplished football players going on to represent the district, state and even compete at the national level, while several volleyball players have gone on to represent the district and the state.
