Nagaland: 44th Asetkong Students’ Sports Meet underway at Kobulong

The 44th Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang (AKTM) Students’ Sports Meet commenced on Wednesday at the Kobulong EAC headquarters under Mokokchung district, bringing together over 600 delegates from six units — Sungratsu, Mopungchuket, Chami, Kobulong, Longpa and Longjang.
The three-day meet will feature competitions in tug-of-war, football, basketball, table tennis and air rifle shooting, the latter being introduced as a new discipline this year. The event is being conducted under the supervision of licensed judges, umpires, and referees from various sporting fields.
The meet was formally inaugurated by Assistant Manager (Research and Planning), Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, Temsuwangshi Jamir, who attended as the chief sports patron. In his address, Jamir emphasized that sports transcend medals and victories, serving as a force for unity and peace across communities. He cited the ancient Olympic Games as a symbol of friendship and harmony, and reminded participants that “true sportsmanship lies in character, integrity, and respect for one’s opponent.”
Jamir also recalled the legacy of legendary Naga footballer Dr. Talimeren Ao, India’s first Olympic football captain in 1948, describing him as an embodiment of leadership, humility and national pride. Sharing a personal story, he highlighted the achievements of his niece, Lenien Jamir, whose perseverance in tennis earned her national recognition and an athletic scholarship at Monmouth University, USA. He encouraged students to let sports shape their character and future, urging them to “aspire not only to win, but to serve your family, community, and nation.”
Addressing the gathering, vice president of the Nagaland Football Association, Meyisanger Lemtur, advised participants to pursue one chosen discipline with dedication in order to excel professionally in sports.
Air Rifle Shooting, introduced for the first time at the meet, is being overseen by ISSF judge and coach and Governing Body Member of the National Rifle Association of India, S. Merang Jamir, along with Chubatoshi from Lady Bird Shooting Academy and other experts.