Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, MAY 9 (NPN): The Nagaland Pickleball Association (NPA) organised a felicitation programme on Saturday at Heirloom Naga Centre, Sovima, to honour players who brought laurels to the state at the Kolkata Open 2026, clinching a total of 11 medals (eight gold and three silver) at Eastern India’s first PWR400 ranking tournament held from April 30 to May 3 in Kolkata.
Addressing the gathering as special guest, Minister, Rural Development & SIRD, Metsubo Jamir, lauded the achievements of the players, remarking that their success was particularly impressive given that NPA was barely a year old, and that the sport was relatively new in the state.
He said the dedication shown by the athletes “speaks volumes” and reflects the growing sporting culture among Naga youth.
Jamir also acknowledged the role of parents, appreciating their “broad-minded approach” in supporting their children’s sporting pursuits.
Highlighting changing trends, he observed that sports, once seen largely as entertainment, have now evolved into a platform for discipline, character-building and career opportunities.
He also encouraged the young athletes to take pride in their achievements, adding that the chief minister has also taken note of their success.
He pointed that portions of the Local Area Development Programme (LADP) funds are being earmarked for sports and entrepreneurship, signalling growing institutional support.
He also stated that chief minister was making tremendous efforts to ensure Naga youth gain exposure and opportunities on par with the rest of the world.
Emphasising the importance of early dedication, he urged youth to start young in order to achieve excellence, while also advising parents not to force children into academic paths against their interests.
Pointing that while pickleball was currently confined to Dimapur and Kohima, he asserted that there was strong potential for the sport to expand across the state.
Advisor, Youth Resources & Sports, Keoshu Yimkhiung, in his congratulatory address, expressed appreciation for the Nagaland Pickleball Association (NPA) for organising the felicitation programme and extended his heartfelt congratulations to all players who represented the state and brought laurels to the state with their impressive medal haul.
While noting that Pickleball has been played globally for over six decades, he pointed that the sport was still in its infancy stage in the state, having been introduced only last year.
Despite this, he said the remarkable achievements of the players within such a short period were truly inspiring and indicative of their potential to excel beyond the state level.
Yimkhiung stated that as sport continues to grow rapidly, Nagaland has the opportunity to establish itself early and encourage more youth to take up sports as a serious pursuit.
He further emphasised that sports should not be seen merely as recreation, but as a powerful avenue for youth development, instilling discipline, improving physical fitness and opening doors to meaningful career opportunities.
Expressing confidence in the natural sporting ability of Nagas, he said that with discipline and determination, Nagas can rise to the highest levels and even become professionals in the field, and urged young athletes to believe in their abilities, work hard and strive to bring pride not only to the state but also to the country.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NPA vice president, Kakivi Chishi, welcome address delivered by NPA president, Nathan Kaurinta Zeliang, while words of appreciation was addressed by NPA Advisor, Kuchi Rangkau Zeliang.
Vilasier Khate, who received the “Player of the Tournament” award, and gold medallist, Lentina Longkumer, also delivered short speeches on the experiences of the tournament, while advisor to chief minister & IDAN chiarman, Abu Metha, delivered by concluding remarks.