Nagaland: 28th Liangmai Sports Meet kicks off at Samziuram

The 28th Liangmai Sports Meet of the Liangmai Sports Association (LSA), encompassing Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, commenced on Thursday at Samziuram village in Peren district under the theme “Strive to Transcend.”
The opening ceremony was graced by Namri Nchang, MLA of 6 Tening A/C, as the special guest. Indian international footballer Seiminlen Doungel made a special appearance, while DC Peren Hiazu Meru and president of Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland, Wingam Nring, attended as special invitees.
Altogether, 47 contingents from villages across Nagaland, Manipur and Assam are participating in the two-week-long event, which will feature football, volleyball, athletics, badminton, marathon and other disciplines. The meet will culminate on January 21 with Nagaland deputy chief minister T. R. Zeliang as the special guest and Awangbow Newmai, MLA of 52 Tamei A/C, as guest of honour.
Addressing the inaugural programme, Nchang encouraged players to embrace discipline, faith and sportsmanship, stressing that true success lies not in prizes but in fairness and calmness. He urged participants to promote peace and unity among the Zeliangrong people, reminding them that youth are the future and must learn from past leaders’ sacrifices. He also advised players to maintain healthy diets, citing Doungel’s achievements as an example, and to abstain from intoxicants. Nchang unfurled the ceremonial flag and declared the meet open.
Sharing his journey, Doungel expressed joy at being part of the event, recalling his humble beginnings playing football with improvised equipment. He emphasized three guiding principles—keeping God first, developing a strong mindset, and working hard—as keys to success.
In his presidential address, LSA president Kadilinbo SP highlighted the achievements of Liangmai athletes at state and national levels, noting that five players had secured government jobs through the sports quota. The meet will also feature a musical extravaganza and cultural day, with Nagaland minister of Tourism and Higher Secondary Education, Temjen Imna Along and former MLA 52 Tamei A/C, Z. Kikhonbo Newmai scheduled to attend as special guests on different occasions.
Following the inaugural programme, an exhibition football match between Peren District Football Association (PDFA) XI and Liangmai Sports Association (LSA) XI ended in a goalless draw, with Doungel playing for LSA XI. In the second exhibition match, PDFA officials defeated LSA officials 3-0.
The programme included invocation by Rev. Wichampau Nchang, lighting of the torch by Paramrisi and Ningtingbo, welcome address by Samziuram Village Council chairman Nlumlu Nkie, opening spotlight by KJMS Samziuram, special music by Peren District Voice Impact 4.0 winner Kewizengdauliu, acknowledgement by organizing committee co-convenor Amonbo, and divine blessing by Rev. Joshua Zeliang of COGOP-India. The event was compered by Sironbou and Paukizonne Meriam.