Mokokchung hosts District Junior Athletics Meet 2025

The Mokokchung District Junior Athletics Meet 2025 was successfully held on August 30 at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, organised by the Mokokchung Athletics Association (MAA) under the aegis of the Nagaland Athletics Association (NAA). The one-day meet featured boys and girls competing across three categories — Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18 — with a total of 63 young athletes participating.
Moalong Jamir from the Nagaland Athletics Association was present as the official observer. Arriving a day prior to the event, he has been closely assisting the Mokokchung Athletics Association in conducting the meet smoothly and in accordance with NAA guidelines.
The opening programme was graced by Imlitoshi Walling ,Treasurer of the Mokokchung District Sports Council (MDSC), who in his address, thanked the representative from the NAA and the organisers for their efforts in promoting athletics in the district. Encouraging the participants, he reminded them that in the present day, sports has emerged as one of the most promising avenues for careers.
“It is very difficult to get a government job today, but another opportunity lies in sports. Do not take sports lightly — you need to face tough competition and be the best of the best to excel at the state and national levels,” he said. Stressing that the sports industry has become increasingly commercial and rewarding, he added, “If you give your best, you will not only earn a career but also have the honour of representing your district, your state, and even your country.” He urged the athletes to stay physically fit, build friendships, and remain committed, expressing hope that some of them would go on to represent Nagaland in the national arena at Ranchi later this year.
The competition featured triathlon formats for the Under-14 category, comprising combinations such as 60m sprint, long jump, high jump (scissor), back throw (1kg shot put), and 600m run. Each athlete was allowed to choose one triathlon set from the three provided. For the Under-16 and Under-18 categories, individual track and field events including sprints (60m to 1000m), long jump, high jump (scissor technique), and shot put were conducted, with weight specifications as per age and gender.
The Association informed that eligibility was strictly verified through Aadhaar, with the following age categories:
U-14: Born between 25/09/2011 – 24/09/2013 U-16: Born between 25/09/2009 – 24/09/2011.
U-18: Born between 25/09/2007 – 24/09/2009
U-16 and U-18 athletes were permitted to take part in only two events each, while U-14 athletes could compete in one triathlon set.
The closing ceremony was graced by Er. Chutsusie Thowachu, Executive Engineer, Electrical Division Mokokchung, who also distributed medals and certificates to the winners. He lauded the efforts of the participants, organisers, and officials in making the meet a success.
In recognition of their participation, certificates were also handed over to all 63 athletes across the three categories. The Mokokchung Athletics Association further informed that the winners from today’s meet will be examined and shortlisted to represent Mokokchung District at the 2nd Nagaland Junior Athletics Championship 2025, scheduled for September. Selected athletes will receive travel allowance for the state-level event.
In his concluding address, MAA President Rongsentoshi Jamir acknowledged all participants, saying their presence encourages the young Association despite its struggles. He urged athletes to dedicate themselves, reminding them that till today they were known by their parents’ names, but now must make their parents proud through achievements. He added that selected athletes will represent Mokokchung at the 2nd Nagaland Junior Athletics Championship 2025 in Kohima on September 10, while also encouraging parents to support in creating stars from Mokokchung.
The Mokokchung Athletics Association had a brief discussion with Moalong Jamir, official observer from the Nagaland Athletics Association and an athletics coach, after the event to explore ways of strengthening the association for the future.