The exhilarating North East Games 2024 (NEG), which commenced on March 18, came to a close on Saturday, with Sporting powerhouse Manipur crowned as the overall champions.
In a stirring display of talent and determination, Manipur strong contingent finished with an impressive haul of 130 medals, including 52 Gold, 38 Silver, and 40 Bronze, showcasing their excellence across various disciplines.
Host state, Nagaland, finished second with a total medal tally of 134 medals (48 Gold, 42 Silver and 44 Bronze), solidifying their stand as formidable competitors in the sporting arena in the region.
Assam, with 140 medals (43 Gold, 44 Silver and 53 Bronze) finished in third position.
Individual excellence shone brightly during the awards ceremony, as outstanding athletes were celebrated for their exceptional performances. Tsuchoi T of Nagaland, was bestowed with the title “Outstanding Sportswoman”, having clinched an impressive tally of four gold medals in 5000 metres, 10,000 metres, mixed relay race and women’s Cross Country team. She also 2 silver medals in the Women’s Cross Country race and in the 400 relay race.
Similarly, Venuzo Dawhou, was honored as the “Outstanding Sportsman” for having secured 3 gold medals.
He was the only sports-person to win gold medals across two different sports disciplines- Shot Put and Discus Throw, and gold medal in Belt-wrestling in the 110+Kg category.
Furthermore, Sikkim contingent was awarded the “Fair Play Trophy”, while Tripura secured the “Spirit of Olympic Trophy”.
Meanwhile, the closing ceremony for the North East Games 2024 was held at the Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence, Sovima, Chümoukedima, on March 23, with president, World Alysh Federation, Bayaman Uulu, as chief guest.
Manipur wins gold in football; Nagaland settles for bronze
In Football final, Manipur defeated Mizoram 2-1 at NAPTC ground, Chumoukedima to add another gold to its tally.
Nagaland settled for bronze medal with a 4-2 win over Arunachal Pradesh.
Playing in a crowd packed gallery, both teams displayed brilliant tactics but in the end Manipur kept their momentum till the end. Manipur, which suffered shock defeat in the hands of Mizoram in the opening league match, bounced back strongly and in the semifinal defeated host Nagaland 2-1.
Mizoram dominated the first session giving no opportunities to Manipur to settle down. Their effort succeeded as Isaak Malsawmkima scored in the 40th minute. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Mizoram.
In the second half, Manipur came back with renewed spirit and dominated the entire session. Manipur fought back and find the equaliser in the 75 minutes through Deny Singh.
They maintain their momentum, and finally succeeded to score the winning goal in the 82 minutes. Though, Mizoram tried their best but their strength and stamina were not strong enough as Manipur held on till the final whistle.
Earlier, in the bronze medal match, Nagaland defeated Arunachal Pradesh 4-2. Just before the first half whistle, Nagaland made a breakthrough as Neisede scored in the extra added time. He also scored the host second goal in the 78th minute. Limakumzuk and Surhusol also scored a goal each in the 63rd and 65th minutes respectively. For Arunchal, Tagru James scored in the 83rd minute and Take Agung converted from a spot kick in the 85th minute.
