Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, NOV 1 (NPN): The third edition of the Nagaland State & Para Games (NSPG) 2026 will be held from November 2 to 14, bringing together athletes from all 17 districts to compete in 14 sporting disciplines across eight venues in Dimapur and Chümoukedima. The event is expected to be the biggest sporting spectacle in the state so far, with over 3,000 participants registered.
Addressing a press conference at the Games Village, Nagaland Police Complex, Chümoukedima, on Sunday, Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) secretary general Abu Metha informed that sporting competitions would commence on November 3.
Metha said the Games would celebrate the youth of Nagaland and reflect the growing sporting ambitions of young athletes across the state. He expressed gratitude to the State Government for its support and sponsorship, while appealing to the public to extend their prayers and support for the successful conduct of the event.
Considering the scale of the event and its logistical requirements, Metha said the competitions had been divided into two phases, with seven sporting disciplines scheduled in each phase. He explained that each discipline would be independently overseen and organised by its respective state sports association. While the Games Village would serve as the main hub, several events, including athletics, sepak takraw, wrestling, table tennis and Pencak Silat, would be conducted at venues outside the Games Village.
Metha informed that the organising committee had established the Games Village at Chümoukedima Police Complex to facilitate logistics and coordination. He also clarified that all events would be conducted under the open category. Asked whether cash prizes would be awarded to players and winners, Metha said the State Games were primarily aimed at promoting amateur sports and providing a competitive platform for athletes across Nagaland. He added that winners would receive medals and certificates, but no cash prizes would be awarded. He further stated that the NSPG would serve as an important platform for identifying and selecting athletes for the state contingent for the forthcoming North East Olympic Games.
Metha also announced that workshops and seminars would be organised alongside the sporting events as part of efforts to promote sports development and awareness. Emphasising the significance of the event, he said the Games would provide an opportunity for athletes from all 17 districts to come together, foster sporting camaraderie and showcase the state’s sporting potential. The Para Games would also be conducted simultaneously, providing para-athletes an opportunity to participate and showcase their sporting abilities.