CM inaugurates AFI AGM; says hosting AGM in Nagaland a landmark moment

The two-day Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Athletics Federation of India commenced on Tuesday at Hotel Vivor, Kohima, with chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio gracing the inaugural session as chief guest.
The AGM is being attended by representatives from various state units, officials, coaches and stakeholders from across the country and is expected to deliberate on key decisions shaping the future of Indian athletics.
Addressing the gathering, Rio described it as a privilege for Nagaland to host the AGM and expressed gratitude to the organisers for their vision and initiative in bringing a national-level sports federation meeting to the state for the first time. He termed the occasion a landmark moment and expressed hope that the deliberations would lead to meaningful decisions for the development of sports in the country.
Reflecting on the state’s history, Rio said Nagaland had often been misunderstood in the past through stereotypes and emphasised that such perceptions did not reflect the true nature of Naga society. He noted that during the colonial period, the Naga Hills witnessed strong resistance, as village communities defended their land and way of life.
He stated that in order to regulate interaction with the region and protect indigenous interests, the British introduced the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, which continues to safeguard the rights, land and identity of the people. He added that despite colonial rule, Naga customary practices and traditions were largely preserved.
On the political history of the state, Rio said Nagaland became part of the Indian Union following the 16 Point Agreement, and attained statehood in 1963. He highlighted that special constitutional provisions under Article 371A were incorporated to protect the unique identity and rights of the Naga people.
The chief minister also referred to the historical significance of Kohima during the World War II, noting that the region played a crucial role. He further mentioned the contributions of Naga labour corps during the World War I.
On the present scenario, Rio said the Naga political issue remained an important concern, and added that efforts were ongoing to bring about a lasting solution through dialogue. He said that this shared objective had brought political leaders together in the state.
Highlighting the cultural richness of the state, Rio said Nagaland continued to promote its traditions and festivals, including the Hornbill Festival, which attracts visitors from across the world. He added that Naga society was progressing steadily, with increasing literacy and social development.
On sports, Rio acknowledged that Nagaland faced challenges in infrastructure due to past instability, but said the state was making steady progress. He noted that existing facilities such as the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima were being utilised, while efforts were underway to develop additional infrastructure, including in Chümoukedima. He also reiterated the need for greater institutional support, including the establishment of a Sports Authority of India centre in the state.
He stressed the importance of coaching, discipline, exposure and infrastructure development to enable athletes from the state to compete at higher levels, and expressed hope that hosting the AGM would inspire local sportspersons. Rio added that the outcomes of the AGM would contribute positively to the future of Indian sports and wished the meeting success.
Speaking as guest of honour, president of the South Asian Athletics Federation, Lalit K Bhanot lauded Abu Metha for his organisational ability and personal involvement in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event.
He stated that the objective of holding meetings in different parts of the country was to generate greater interest among states and encourage their active participation in athletics.
Expressing optimism, Bhanot said Nagaland had strong potential to produce athletes and assured that technical and organisational support would be extended to develop athletics in the state. Bhanot informed that Indian athletics had a wide base, with over 650 districts affiliated through state units, and highlighted initiatives such as the national inter-district athletics meet, where athletes were supported with travel, accommodation and training, and talent was identified and nurtured. He added that more than 40 competitions were being conducted across the country, including in the Northeast, to improve accessibility and participation. He said efforts were being made to expand competitions in the Northeast to reduce logistical challenges and encourage greater participation from the region.
He also suggested setting up athletics academies in Nagaland, assuring support from the federation, and noted that athletes from the region could excel particularly in endurance-based disciplines such as middle and long-distance running.
Earlier, delivering the welcome address, president of Nagaland Athletics and vice president AFI, Abu Metha termed the occasion a milestone, stating that it was the first time in over six decades of statehood that a national sports federation AGM was being held in Nagaland.
He said the decision to host the AGM in Kohima reflected the vision of AFI to promote national unity and integration by taking sports to far-flung regions. He added that Nagaland had contributed to the nation in various fields and would continue to do so.
He informed that the AGM had brought together representatives from across the country, including sports administrators, awardees, coaches and stakeholders, who would deliberate on strategies for upcoming international events such as the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympics, as well as on strengthening infrastructure and talent development.
Metha also acknowledged the infrastructural challenges in the state but expressed hope that such engagements would further integrate the region into the national sporting framework. He encouraged participants to act as ambassadors of Nagaland.
The inaugural session was chaired by honorary treasurer, Nagaland Athletics, Neingulie Nakhro. Invocation was offered by pastor, City Church Kohima, Rev. Kedo Peseyie, while words of appreciation were delivered by honorary secretary, Nagaland Athletics, Mhonsao Ngullie.
The AGM is expected to conclude with key resolutions aimed at strengthening athletics development across the country.