Mokokchung Athletics, in collaboration with MY Bharat, organised the My Bharat–ASMITA Fit India sporting event at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on March 7 in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026.
The event was conducted under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through the Sports Authority of India and MY Bharat, and was aligned with the Government of India’s ‘Sports for Women’ initiative, ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action). The programme featured athletics competitions aimed at encouraging the participation of women and girls in sports.
The competition was conducted in the discipline of athletics, comprising track events – 100 metres, 200 metres and 400 metres and field events including shot put and long jump. Participants competed under three age categories: Under 13 years, 13–18 years and above 18 years. Age verification was carried out during registration through Aadhaar cards. Although up to 128 participants per event per age category were permitted, only around 25 participants turned up.
In the Under 13 category, Moabenla won both the 100m and 200m events. In the 13–18 years category, Noksupongla Jamir secured first place in the 200m, followed by Imjungbenla Walling and Imnasenla Pongen. In the 400m event, Imjungbenla Walling finished first, Tiasenla second and Imlijungla Jamir third. In the 100m race, Imjungbenla Walling placed first, while Noksupongla Jamir and Imnasenla Pongen finished second and third respectively.
In the field events for the same category, Tiasenla won the shot put with a throw of 7.71m, followed by Merentula (7.14m) and Bendangsenla T. Sangtam (6.78m). In the long jump event, Merentula secured first place with a jump of 3.14m, while Ushijem T. Longkumer (2.82m) and Imjapokla (2.78m) finished second and third respectively.
In the 18 years and above category, Lanukokla won the 100m race, followed by Sentibenla Jamir and H. Angip Konyak. In the 400m race, Imkongkumla secured first place, Sentibenla Jamir finished second and Chonglem P came third. In the 200m race, Lanukokla finished first, followed by Imkongkumla and Rongsenungla. In the field events, H. Angip Konyak won the shot put with a throw of 8.49m, while Lanukokla (8.24m) and Masamongla (7.41m) placed second and third respectively. In the long jump, Watilemla secured first place with a jump of 2.76m, followed by H. Angip Konyak (2.65m) and Ngoilih Konyak (2.52m).
Certificates and medals were presented to the winners during the closing ceremony. The organisers noted that fewer women participants turned up for the event and expressed hope that more girls and women in the district would participate and take advantage of such platforms when organised.
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The programme began with a welcome address by President of Mokokchung Athletics, Rongsentoshi Jamir, while General Secretary of Mokokchung Athletics, Imchatsung, delivered the closing address.
The closing programme was attended by Vice-President of Mokokchung District Sports Council (MDSC), Martoshi Jamir, as the special invitee, who also presented certificates to the winners. In his address, he said that thousands of students graduate from schools and colleges every year, but the government cannot employ everyone. He pointed out that Nagaland has a population of around 18.2 lakh, including non-locals, while government employees number around 1.3 lakh, and encouraged young people not to rely solely on government jobs but to explore other opportunities, including sports and skill-based careers.
Earlier, the opening programme was graced by Project Director, District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) Mokokchung, Imyapangla, as the special invitee. In her address, she said the mission of ASMITA is to encourage women and girls to participate in sports, build confidence and lead healthier lives.
She stated that sports have always been a powerful tool for transformation as they teach discipline, teamwork, perseverance and the courage to face challenges. According to her, sports are not only about winning medals but also about building character and resilience.
Imyapangla noted that competitions of track events and field events represent more than athletic performance, as they reflect the dreams, determination and spirit of progress among young participants.
Referring to Nagaland, she remarked that the society has long recognised the strength and capability of women, describing them as strong mothers, hardworking daughters and determined sisters who contribute significantly to the progress of communities.
She further said that platforms such as the ASMITA event allow young girls to discover their potential and expressed hope that among the participants could be future state champions, national champions and even Olympians. She also appreciated Mokokchung Athletics and its partners for organising the event and promoting a sporting culture at the grassroots level.
Encouraging the participants, she said that whether they win or not, they are already winners for having the courage to compete, and urged them to train hard, respect their coaches, support one another and enjoy the spirit of sportsmanship. She also called upon communities, teachers, coaches and elders to encourage young girls to stay active, remain confident and pursue their aspirations in sports.
