The 28th Liangmai Sports Association (LSA) Meet, encompassing Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, concluded on Wednesday at Samziuram Village, Peren district. The 15-day sporting extravaganza, which began on January 7, 2026, drew thousands of spectators from across the Jalukie Valley, making it one of the largest sporting events of the Liangmai community.
The closing ceremony was graced by Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, T.R. Zeliang, as the special guest.
The much-anticipated men’s football final saw host team SPO Samziuram face defending champions Chiang Youth Club. After a goalless draw in regulation time, SPO Samziuram triumphed 4–2 in a penalty shootout, securing the men’s football championship. The Golden Ball award was bagged by Ningtingbo (Chiang Youth Club); Golden Boot by Rofus (Ntu Youth Organization); Golden Glove by Widambo (Samziuram Progressive Organization); Emerging Player by Maisithuibo (Samziuram Progressive Organization); Best Defender: Wimadulungbou Newmai (Chiang Youth Club).
In the women’s football, Samziuram Progressive Organization (SPO) ermrged as the champion while Konsaram was the runners-up. Golden Ball was bagged by Charakung (Samziuram Progressive Organization); Golden Boot by Sheba Abonmai (Konsaram); Golden Glove by Namchamwiliu Abonmai (Konsaram); and Emerging Player by Charakung (Samziuram Progressive Organization).
History was created as SPO Samziuram achieved a double victory, with both the men’s and women’s teams lifting their respective football championship trophies.
In the men’s volleyball final, Nchangram displayed exceptional dominance to defeat Oklong Nguang in straight sets (best-of-five format), clinching the championship title. The Best Player was bagged by Pauling (Nchangram); Best Spiker by Arai (Asiluang); Best Setter by Sidibo (Nchangram).
In women’s volleyball, Best Player was awarded to Kewisiwang Newmai (Nchangram Namsan); Best Spiker by Leuheiyi (Mhaikam); and Best Setter by Wilambonliu Newmai (Kadi).
The Liangmai Sports Association announced that the next LSA Meet will be held in 2029, with the venue yet to be confirmed.
Expressing gratitude, the LSA acknowledged the contributions of participating teams, donors, sponsors, officials, volunteers, well-wishers and especially the host village of Samziuram, whose support ensured the grand success of the 28th edition of the meet.
Zeliang calls for united Zeliangrong sports to compete at national and international levels
Addressing the gathering, Zeliang urged the organisers and apex sports bodies to work collectively towards the dream of establishing a strong and united Zeliangrong sports front capable of competing at the Northeast, national and international levels. He emphasized that this vision is achievable with the combined efforts of organisations such as the Zeme Olympic Association, Liangmai Sports Association, and Rongmei Sports Association and called for the formation of formidable teams that could participate in the I-League and other prestigious tournaments.
Highlighting the rich sporting history of the Zeliangrong people, Zeliang said the youth possess immense talent and potential. He stressed that tournaments are not only about winning trophies but also about fostering better understanding and unity among communities.
Calling upon the Zeliangrong people to rise above sectional identities of Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmei, Zeliang appealed for embracing the larger unity of the Zeliangrong brethren spread across Assam, Manipur and Nagaland. “Our strength lies in our unity across boundaries and sports can serve as a unifying event,” he stated, while reminding that the community shares one ancestor and one history.
Assuring support for sports development, Zeliang announced plans to establish a Sports Academy at Jalukie to nurture talented youth from the state.