Nagaland 1st state-level Wushu (Sanda) Championship concludes

The first state-level sub-junior, junior and senior Wushu (Sanda) Championship, organized by the Nagaland Wushu Association (NWA) in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS), culminated on Wednesday at the Pele Khezhie Indoor Stadium, Kohima.
Peren bags group champions
Peren district emerged as the overall champion at the recently concluded state-level sub-junior, junior, and senior Wushu (Sanda) Championship, securing a total of 15 medals, including 8 gold, 5 silver, and 2 bronze.
Dimapur and Zunheboto followed closely behind, each earning 10 medals. Dimapur clinched 6 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze, while Zunheboto secured 5 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals. Mon district also performed commendably with 4 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze, totalling 8 medals.
Kohima district stood out for its dominance in silver medals, collecting 11 along with 2 gold, bringing its tally to 13. Mokokchung earned 9 medals, comprising 2 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze. Phek district rounded off the medal table with 3 medals—2 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze.
While the Best Disciplined Team award was won by Kohima district.
Nagaland’s Advisor for CAWD and Taxes and president of the Nagaland Wushu Association (NWA), Kudecho Khamo, highlighted the vast career opportunities in sports during the prize distribution ceremony of the first-ever state-level sub-junior, junior, and senior Wushu (Sanda) Championship. He urged athletes to remain dedicated and disciplined, noting that sports have gained popularity among youth despite challenges. Khamo emphasized that while young individuals can actively participate in sports, they can later transition into roles such as coaches and managers, offering long-term career prospects.
Addressing the status of Wushu in Nagaland, Khamo acknowledged the lack of infrastructure and coaching, with only one NIS-certified coach in the state. Despite this, he noted the sport’s growing popularity and the commendable performance of Nagaland’s athletes in events like the Northeast Olympic Games. He reiterated NWA’s commitment to promoting Wushu and praised the proactive efforts of NWA officials and district associations in organizing the championship.
Khamo expressed gratitude to parents and guardians for their unwavering support and motivation, recognizing their role in shaping their children’s future. He stressed the importance of grooming and exposing children to diverse fields, including sports. He also acknowledged the Department of Youth Resources and Sports and president of NCSU Pele Khezhie and Nagaland Taekwondo Association, for facilitating the event.
Highlighting chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio’s leadership and commitment to sports development, Khamo mentioned ongoing infrastructure projects and financial assistance for athletes. He welcomed the inclusion of sports as a discipline in educational institutions and called for collective efforts to further Wushu’s growth. Encouraging athletes to pursue the sport seriously, he assured continued support from the NWA and emphasized that even a single punch or kick in Wushu could bring global recognition.
The prize distribution ceremony was led by general secretary of the Nagaland Wushu Association, Vekhozo, while an instrumental piece was performed by assistant director, Youth Resources and Sports Libemo Jami.