Along with the rest of the country, Nagaland observed the National Sports Day across several district in the State.
S. Phangnon Konyak calls for stronger sporting culture
Mon district observed National Sports Day with a programme held at the Officers’ Club, Mon, on August 29, to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
According to DPRO report, speaking on the occasion, S. Phangnon Konyak congratulated the MDFA for the triumph win in the recent concluded DR. T. Ao trophy at IG Stadium, Kohima.
She also stated that India is intending to host the 2036 Olympic and the PM of India is planning to make India the sport house.
She reminded that sports not only keep oneself physically fit but is also a source of good earning opportunity and that it is a collective responsibility to give importance to sports. She said that if an individual excels in sports, it not only impact individually but even the community, adding that that a little training and encouragement should be given to the youths in addition to the physical strength they already possess.
If sports is encouraged well, she said ‘it will leave a great avenue for the next generation’. She urged parents and the civil societies to not only take sports as extra curriculum but as a main curriculum and to give due recognition to sports. Lastly, she urged all the sports person present at the occasion to come forward and be a part of the different sports event that would be coming up.
Konyak also stressed on developing a vibrant sporting culture in the Nagaland. She spoke about the role of sports in shaping discipline, unity, and opportunities for youth, while also highlighting various government initiatives to nurture sporting talents. She particularly encouraged young athletes to participate in the Sansad Khel Mahotsav initiative, which provides a platform for registration, trials, and advanced training for higher-level selection.
Later, she declared open the One-Day Open Badminton Doubles Tournament at the Officers’ Club, marking the celebration of National Sports Day in Mon followed by Prize distribution to the winners in the evening. Ajit Kumar, IAS SDO (C), Mon in his welcome speech, also said that the sporting culture is there in Nagaland and that is vividly witnessed by the triumph win of the said trophy by the MDFA recently showcasing unity among the community. Therefore, he added that sports should be taken to the national and international level.
Pakon Phom, ADC, Mon also said that S. Phangnon konyak, MP Rajya Sabha is the brainchild behind the organizing of the event and making it into reality by sponsoring everything from the least to the biggest in the event. He acknowledged her generosity for making the programme possible.
The program was chaired by Er. R. Mhao Humtsoe, NCS, EAC, Mon HQ with Rev. Yeangphong, district chaplain invoking God’s presence and Chingom Konyak presenting special song and Rokozo Rurhia leading the pledge taking. Ponglem, president, KNSK, Y. Pongba, President MDBA also delivered short speeches and Thanyalo, SDO (Power) Mon uttered words of gratitude.
Special Olympics Nagaland
The Special Olympics Bharat–Nagaland (SON), under the directive of SOB president Dr. Mallika Nanda, marked National Sports Day 2025 on August 29 at Turf Industrial A Village, Dimapur at 8:00 am with 95 participants where 57 special athletes, 13 coaches, and parents coming together in a spirited celebration of unity and sportsmanship.
In a message conveyed on her behalf, SON area director Arenla Tzudir reminded that India observes National Sports Day to honor Major Dhyan Chand (1905–1979) on his birthday, the legendary “Hockey Wizard” who brought glory to the nation with three Olympic gold medals.
She emphasized that Nagaland too takes pride in its own heroes, whose courage and achievements have placed the state on the global sporting map.
The celebration fondly remembered Nagaland’s sporting pride — Dr. T. Ao, India’s first football captain; Chekrovolü Swüro, Olympian and Arjuna Awardee; Hokato Hotozhe Sema, Nagaland’s first Paralympic medalist; and SON’s own heroes Tiaba Tzudir 1st national award recipient & Temsutula Jamir , 2nd national award recipient, and the pioneering SON teams who represented India at the Asia Pacific Games in Australia and the Global Unified FIFA Cup in Bangkok.
The program began with warm-up drills, relay races, and penalty shoot-outs, filling the ground with determination and cheer in a vibrant display of inclusion and sportsmanship. Coaches inspired athletes to embrace fitness, discipline, and resilience as a way of life, reminding them that true victory is found not only in medals but in courage, teamwork, and self-belief.
Organized entirely through the selfless contributions of the SON members and coaches, the celebration reflected the heart of a community committed to empowering every athlete to dream bigger, aim higher, and shine brighter
Tzudir expressed, “National pride sports legends of India and from Nagaland— both mainstream legends and our Special Athletes, remind us that greatness is born from courage, perseverance, and unity. With continued support from our community, SOB (National Office) and well-wishers, SON will nurture more champions who will not only bring glory to Nagaland and India but also inspire the world with their stories of resilience and hope.”
She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to all SON members and coaches for their continued voluntary services and generous contributions making SON program a grant success.
National Sports Day celebrated with enthusiasm in Tuensang
The National Sports Day Celebration was held on August 29 at Loyem Memorial Astro Turf Ground, Tuensang, jointly organized by Sao Chang College and Chang Sports Association, in collaboration with the District Sports Council, District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), and Tuensang Town Council.
The celebration began at 5:00 am with a marathon flagged off by Er. Moasanen Imsong, EAC Tuensang, followed by athletic competitions including high jump, long jump, shot put, push-ups, and pull-ups, conducted for both men and women.
The formal programme commenced at 10:00 am, chaired by Takumpuba Lomou, Sports Coordinator of SCC. Invocation was offered by Mucheba Chang, followed by a welcome address from Dr. Lanurenla, Principal of SCC, and a special address by Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, DC and Chairman, District Sports Council.
As part of the programme, meritorious awards were presented to outstanding sportspersons:
Ayenmongba – Golden Boot at the 24th Edition of the Dr. T Ao Trophy held at IG Stadium, Kohima;
Namangyimjong – Golden Star Winner at the 1st Edition of the Nagaland Super League;
Antimonyu – Gold Medal Winner (Female) at the 2nd Grand Master Lee Jeong Hee Cup 2023 – Indian Open International Taekwondo Championship, and Gold Medal (Senior Girls) at the 35th Nagaland State Taekwondo Championship 2025.
The formal session concluded with a vote of thanks from Er. Nabum, General Secretary, CSA, and a closing prayer by Chingmak, FM, CSA.
Following the programme, the celebration carried on with exhibition matches, featuring a football game between the Sao Chang College Faculties,non- teaching staffs and the Chang Sports Association Men’s team, as well as a penalty shootout between female participants from both associations.
The Chang Sports Association emerged victorious in both events.
The celebration concluded on a high note with the distribution of certificates and cash prizes to the winners of the various competitions.
St. Joseph University, Chümoukedima
Students and faculty of St. Joseph University in Chümoukedima came together to celebrate National Sports Day on August 29, honoring the birth anniversary of India’s hockey icon, Major Dhyan Chand.
The day began with a solemn tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, recognizing his unparalleled contribution to Indian sports. The audience was then inspired by motivational speeches from Dr. A. Robert Xavier, Registrar of the University, and Dr. K. Alaguraja, Sports Officer from NIT Nagaland. Both speakers emphasized the essential role of sports in shaping young minds, instilling discipline, and building leadership and collaboration among students.
As a highlight of the celebration, the department of physical education organized the 2nd Inter-Department 6-ASIDE football tournament, held from August 27 to 29 at the SJU ground. Matches kicked off at 3:00 pm, with students from various departments showing up in large numbers to participate and cheer for their teams. The 6-a-side format brought a unique and intense twist to traditional football, requiring players to display swift coordination, strategic movement, and tight teamwork. Over three days of gripping matches, students showcased not just their athletic prowess but also camaraderie, determination, and respect for one another – hallmarks of true sportsmanship.
The event concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony, where medals and certificates were awarded to the winning teams and standout performers. Special acknowledgments were given to students who exhibited exceptional team spirit and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
In his vote of thanks, Kumghato expressed heartfelt appreciation to the organizing committee, volunteers, faculty, and students for their enthusiastic participation and dedication in making the event a grand success.