The Nagaland Police 1st Inter-School Sports Festival 2026, culminated on February 28 with a closing ceremony held at Chumoukedima Football Stadium.
The programme was graced by Director General of Police, Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, IPS, as the Guest of Honour, and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Abu Metha, as the Special Guest and other dignitaries.
Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman IDAN, Abu Metha, in his address congratulated the DGP, and the Nagaland Police for successfully organising the first-ever Nagaland Police Inter- School Sports Festival.
Conveying the best wishes of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Metha congratulated all the participants and said that every student who reached the state-level championship should consider themselves a winner. He noted that it was significant that such a sports festival was being organised for the first time even after more than six decades of Nagaland’s statehood, and described it as a meaningful beginning for the future.
He appreciated the efforts made by DGP, Rupin Sharma towards streamlining regimental schools and promoting positive use of social media, stating that such actions set an example for officers as well as the younger generation. He also acknowledged the quiet but important contributions made by the DGP’s wife in supporting the initiative.
Highlighting the potential of Naga youth, Metha said the state has abundant raw talent and that given the right opportunities, young people can achieve excellence at the highest levels. He cited the examples of Dr. Talimeren Ao, India’s first football captain at the 1948 London Olympics; Chekrovolu Swuro, an archer who represented India internationally and received the Arjuna Award; and Hokato Hotozhe Sema, who, despite losing a leg in a terrorist attack, went on to win a medal in shot put at the Paris Paralympic Games. He said their achievements proved that dedication and hard work can overcome limitations.
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Addressing students, particularly those from police families studying in regimental schools, Metha urged them to draw inspiration from these examples and work hard in their chosen fields. He reminded students that their education is the result of collective efforts by police personnel, school authorities, and teachers, and that their success would be the greatest reward for these efforts.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices and commitment of the Naga police force in ensuring the safety of society, often going beyond the call of duty, and called for greater respect and understanding from the public. Assuring continued support, he said efforts would be made to assist police schools and families through CSR initiatives, sports, and academics, and encouraged collaborative action to improve opportunities for students.
He concluded his address by congratulating the organizing committee and expressed hope that the platform would nurture future national and international champions.
DGP, Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, IPS, expressed his gratitude to the students, principals, and parents of the Nagaland Police Schools for their active participation in the sports festival. He said that such events provide valuable learning experiences for students through sports and interaction. He thanked the sponsors and donors for their contributions towards organizing the event. He also spoke about measures being taken to improve police schools, including the recruitment of qualified teachers and principals to strengthen academic standards.
He further acknowledged the contribution made by the State Education Department, which provided 75,000 rupees to each unit school last year, and stated that the Nagaland Police Schools are largely supported through contributions from jawans and staff members of the Nagaland Police.
Sharma reiterated the commitment of the Nagaland Police towards the welfare and development of police schools and encouraged continued cooperation from all stakeholders.
A presentation by the Mahila Band, 15th IR Battalion, and an aerobic performance by students of Nagaland Police School, Chumoukedima, were featured in the programme.
The event was chaired by Bendangchuba, Convenor of the Organizing Committee. Closing remarks was delivered by K. Edward Ngullie, Organizing Secretary, and the programme ended with a benediction by Rev. Tiatoshi Lkr, Executive Secretary, NPBCA.
Nagaland Police Central School, 1st NAP Battalion, emerged as the Overall Champion, while Regimental School, 4th NAP Battalion, Thizama, secured the Runner-up position.
The sports festival featured competitions in Rhymes, Tunnel Ball, 100-metre sprint, relay race, futsal, long jump, high jump, penalty shoot-out, and volleyball. Participating schools included Nagaland Police Central School, 1st NAP; Regimental School, 2nd NAP, Alichen; Battalion High School, 3rd NAP; Regimental School, 4th NAP, Thizama; Holy Care, 5th NAP; Unit School, 6th NAP, Tizit; Unit School, 7th NAP; Unit School, 8th NAP; MVS, 9th NAP; PPS, 10th NAP (IR); CPS, 12th NAP (IR); Police Unit School, DEF Mon; New Reserve, Phesama; DEF Kohima; DEF Mokokchung; and DEF Wokha.
