The Department of Youth Resources & Sports today organized the National Sports Day cum Cash Award Ceremony at Hall B, IG Stadium, Kohima, honouring meritorious sportspersons from Nagaland who have excelled at various levels of competition.

Delivering his address, Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, S Keoshu Yimkhiung congratulated all award recipients for their achievements and for setting an inspiring example for the younger generation in the field of sports. He reminded the gathering that National Sports Day is celebrated across the country in memory of Major Dhyan Chand, India’s legendary hockey wizard whose extraordinary contribution brought glory to the nation with three consecutive Olympic gold medals.

“His life stands as a testament to excellence, discipline, and teamwork—values that continue to inspire generations of athletes across India,” Keoshu said.

Reaffirming the State Government’s commitment towards strengthening the ecosystem for sports enthusiasts and budding athletes across Nagaland under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the Advisor stated that Nagaland is blessed with young talents and boundless energy, and concrete steps have been taken across all 17 districts to strengthen the sporting ecosystem.

He cited the development of modern multi-purpose stadiums, futsal courts etc., adding that projects are in the pipeline for districts where infrastructure is still lacking.  “This is a clear reflection of the Government’s resolve to provide equal opportunities to every young sports enthusiast in the State, irrespective of geography,” he said.

Keoshu stressed that the Government is not only improving sports infrastructure and providing platforms for every young sportsperson to grow and excel but also recognizing achievements.

He said as part of National Sports Day celebrations, the Government is presenting cash awards to athletes, who have represented Nagaland state and nation at various levels and in various sporting disciplines.

This recognition, he said, is not merely financial. “It is a message to every young sportsperson in Nagaland—your efforts matter, your dreams are valued, and your achievements will be celebrated by all. Your journey motivates countless others to believe in themselves and to work harder towards success,” he emphasized.

Taking the opportunity of DGP Rupin Sharma’s presence, Keoshu urged the Police Department to consider providing employment opportunities to promising athletes in the State force. He also informed that the Government is drafting a new Sports Policy, guided by the National Sports Policy Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, which reflects athlete’s interests, community aspirations and nation’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

In his exhortation, DGP Rupin Sharma candidly highlighted the challenges faced by Nagaland in the sports sector. He pointed out that Nagaland is geographically very far away from mainstream and that the state has been isolated, while also lacks in infrastructure.

He said although the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Advisor has been trying to build infrastructure, however, it takes time. Another issue is partly connected to law and order situation in the state as well as economic activity, he added.

He mentioned that most of the efforts to support the sports has to come from the Government as there is hardly any private sponsors available for sports in Nagaland.  “Every sportsman does not get sponsorship,” DGP said.

The DGP noted that there is no “economic muscle” in the private sector because of low entry in economy, law and order and being isolated geographically. He said because of law and order, people do not want to come and invest in Nagaland and when there is no investment, people do not donate money for sports and other things.

The DGP highlighted that Nagaland Police has had a good culture of sports, however, without help from the government and private sector, it is unsustainable. He disclosed that Nagaland Police has infrastructure for entire sportsmen, coaches and sports associations.

“Not even on a single occasion, Nagaland Police has said no to using its infrastructure about any sports industry,” he said adding, however, there are constraints. DGP further said that Nagaland Police has a sports policy which is aligned to National Sports Policy and they have to align with that.

The DGP also mentioned that besides infrastructure they have hardly any budget for sports. He emphasised that the number of sports and disciplines is limited.

“Besides infrastructure we have hardly any budget for sports. When I joined in Nagaland we used to have sports week now that has become a bi-annual affair. We don’t have money and are lots of expenditures,” the DGP cited.

Rupin Sharma informed that from every jawan or employee of Nagaland Police, everyone contributes Rs 20 per month and with the amount or fund they are able to manage their sports. He said that there are no institutional support and no private sector support.

He also said Dr. Rio had highlighted about wanting Nagaland Police to be flag bearer of sports, however,  it cannot happen without support from other departments.

DGP also said that Nagaland police sportsman has also done well but unfortunately the performance level are coming down because of the age of old team or old sports team. He said unfortunately they we have not had recruitment for the past 4-5 years.

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“If there is no recruitment there is no fresh sportsman coming into the system,” he stressed.

Disclosing that Nagaland police is going to have recruitment soon, the DGP said that for all sportsman,  for Nagaland Police and for Nagaland and for the country they would love to take as many sports man as possible provided they go through the process and qualify the exams.

“I can assure formally that if there are sportsman, who qualify during the interview we will give first preference. It is not for you only, but I’ll also get a fit person into the system,” he added.

Taking the opportunity of the presence of big wings of sports department, the DGP also requested and hoped for NP and YRS to work together.

Earlier during the program, Kethosituo Sekhose, NCS , Director, Youth Resources and Sports was the chairperson. Vikhoto Zao, Pastor, PCRC invoked the gathering while welcome address was given by Anthony Ngullie, NCS Commissioner & Secretary, Youth Resources and Sports.

Award Distribution to Winners of Athletics meet which was held in Kohima was presented by Rupin Sharma, IPS DGP Nagaland while S Keoshu Yimkhiung, Advisor, Youth Resources and Sports gave presentation of awards to meritorious sports persons.

The program ended with a vote of thanks by Megolhu Dolie , Additional Director, Youth Resources and Sports and singing of National Anthem.