DIMAPUR, NOV 8 (NPN): The Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) on Sunday organised a landmark Safeguarding in Sports Workshop at the Hokato Hotozhe Auditorium, NSPG 2026 Games Village, Chümoukedima, marking a significant step towards promoting a safer, more inclusive and accountable sporting environment in the state.
In a press release issued by NOA informed that the workshop, one of the first initiatives of its kind in the region, brought together more than 120 participants, including representatives from sports associations across Nagaland, officials from the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, liaison officers, volunteers and personnel associated with the Nagaland State and Para Games 2026.
The programme was attended by advisor to the chief minister of Nagaland, vice president of the Athletics Federation of India and secretary general of the Nagaland Olympic Association, Abu Metha, who delivered the welcome address.
The workshop aimed to strengthen awareness and understanding of safeguarding principles in sports, with a focus on preventing harassment, abuse, discrimination and exploitation while ensuring the safety, dignity and well-being of athletes and all individuals involved in sporting activities.
The programme featured two distinguished resource persons with extensive experience in safeguarding, leadership and organisational development.
Neetal Narang, a noted sports administrator and safeguarding advocate, addressed participants on safeguarding practices, gender equality and inclusion in sports. With more than 18 years of experience in sports administration and leadership, she has been actively involved in advancing athlete welfare and safeguarding measures in Indian sports. She was also nominated by the Indian Olympic Association to represent India at the Olympic Council of Asia’s Safeguarding Workshop in Bangkok in 2025 and has served in safeguarding roles at major sporting events, including the 2025 National Games in Uttarakhand.
The second resource person, Shailaja Rajan Raj, a Human Resources and Organisational Development Consultant, Leadership Trainer and Management Trainer, shared insights from over 25 years of professional experience. Drawing from his work with organisations such as Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and JSW, he highlighted the importance of workplace safety, Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH), emotional well-being, leadership development and institutional responsibility in creating safe sporting environments.
Throughout the workshop, participants were sensitised on recognising safeguarding concerns, establishing effective reporting mechanisms, promoting responsible conduct and strengthening institutional accountability within sports organisations.
The programme also underscored the need for athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and administrators to be equipped with the knowledge and awareness necessary to prevent misconduct and respond appropriately to safeguarding-related issues.
By bringing together sports associations and key stakeholders on a common platform, the Nagaland Olympic Association took an important step towards institutionalising safeguarding awareness within the state’s sporting framework.
Through the pioneering initiative, the NOA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, gender equality, inclusion and athlete protection, while setting a progressive example for sports organisations across the Northeast. The Association further reiterated its commitment to fostering a culture of safety, respect, dignity and accountability, ensuring that sporting excellence is pursued in an environment that protects and empowers every participant.
