Nagaland awareness on HIV, STIs: NSACS successfully holds Red Run 3.0

The Red Run 3.0 was successfully held on Thursday at the Agri Expo, Chumoukedima, drawing participation from athletes and officials representing 35 states and union territories.
A total of 136 runners (69 male and 67 female) competed in the competitive category, while 528 participants joined the open category, making it a vibrant national event promoting HIV awareness and healthy living.
In the women’s 10 km category, Anisha (Uttarakhand) secured first place with a timing of 38.01 mins, followed by Pournami (Kerala) at 38.10 mins and Pooja (Punjab) at 38.20 mins. In the men’s category, Panchanan Bera (West Bengal) emerged as champion with 31.36 mins, while Rohan Kumar (Uttar Pradesh) and Ramjan Ali (West Bengal) took second and third positions with 32.13 mins and 32.40 mins, respectively.
The 10 km competitive run was flagged off by additional secretary and director general, National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), ministry of health and family welfare, V. Hekali Zhimomi. The 2 km open run was flagged off by advisor to the Chief Minister, chairman of IDAN, vice president of AFI, and secretary general of NOA, Abu Metha. Addressing the participants, Hekali Zhimomi emphasized that the Red Run was initiated to engage young people across the country and raise awareness on HIV/AIDS, while promoting discipline, health, and positive lifestyles. She stated that young people are not only beneficiaries of health programmes but also changemakers and advocates.
Highlighting that India has one of the youngest populations globally, with 40 percent below 29 years of age, she stressed the importance of empowering youth with accurate information and access to youth-friendly health services. Zhimomi urged participants to act as ambassadors in spreading awareness about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. She noted that the Red Run is more than a race, symbolizing solidarity, dialogue, and action. She also extended gratitude to the Government of Nagaland, the State AIDS Control Society, and all organizing partners for their support and hospitality.
Extending greetings on behalf of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Abu Metha informed that the Chief Minister could not attend the event due to prior commitments but conveyed his warm wishes and appreciation to all participants, guests, and organizers. He expressed gratitude to the ministry of Health and Family Welfare and NACO for bringing this national event to Nagaland. Metha congratulated the winners and participants, acknowledging their contribution to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS through sport.
He highlighted Nagaland’s identity as the Land of Festivals and invited guests to return for the Hornbill Festival from December 1 to 10 to experience the state’s rich traditions, music, food, and sports. Metha commended the athletes’ effort and determination, noting that in sports, there are no shortcuts, only merit, discipline, and hard work bring success. He urged the young athletes to persevere, assuring them that consistent effort would one day make them stand on the podium and raise the Indian flag high.
Metha further noted that the Northeast region continues to be a hub of talent, producing outstanding sportspersons in football, boxing, and athletics. He remarked that Nagaland’s sports story is changing, with local athletes now competing and winning at national and international levels. He described sports as a unifying force that transcends barriers of language, caste, and region, adding that sport has the power to unite the nation just as the Red Run has brought together participants from across India. He observed that Dimapur had become India in miniature, with every state and union territory represented at the event.
The programme featured a cultural performance by the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), followed by a welcome address by commissioner & secretary, Health and Family Welfare, and Chairman, NSACS, Anoop Khinchi, The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by project director, NSACS, Dr. Ahu Sekhose.