Two Nagaland teams comprising of senior and veteran players, one from Kohima and the other team from Dimapur will be leaving to take part in the upcoming 6th National Masters Games in Goa.
The event is scheduled from February 8 to 13 to be organised by Masters Games Association Goa, under the auspices of Super Masters Games & Sports Federation.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, vice president Nagaland Masters Games and president, Nagaland Football Coaches Association, Roko Angami, who will be heading the Kohima team, said Masters Games was yet to get the much needed recognition especially in the state even though the National Masters Game is affiliated to International Masters Games.
He said the event brings together many veteran professional players in all age groups and from different disciplines.
Therefore, he added the event should gain more traction in the State as the event was perfect for people who wishes to enjoying competing even after crossing their prime.
Angami said participants in any of the disciplines will play with people in their age groups and therefore provides a level playing field.
He informed that the event draws a huge number of players from almost all the states in the country with neighbouring states like Assam sending contingents of more than 300 players in previous editions.
Answering to a query on his observation with regard to the development of sports in the state, Angami said comparatively there has been visible change in games and sports especially in the past few years.
The former international footballer said, apart from almost all the disciplines of sports gaining grounds, football was also seeing a gradual rise.
Lauding CM Neiphiu Rio for his efforts to empower the youth, Angami said he was the only chief minister who acknowledged the contributions and achievements of the first Naga Olympian, Dr. T Ao by constituting a trophy in his name and also a sports award in the former Indian captain’s memory.
Apart from this, Angami said Dr. T Ao’s name has also become a household name throughout the country and especially in the NE regions only in recent times.
He added that with the initiative of Rio, Nagaland Olympic has also been started and the state was also preparing to host the North East Olympic this year, which, he said, was the right direction for the state to progress in games and sports.
He observed that the present government’s monetary incentives to winners of any recognised events especially through the initiative of the CM was commendable as it was encouraging players of any discipline to try harder to reap the benefits.
About the teams participating in the upcoming event, Angami said all the members were licensed coaches and former players who came together to play as a team.
Events at the National Masters Games includes, Athletic, Archery, Arm Wrestling, Badminton, Basketball, Body Building, Chess, Darts Game, Football, Hockey, Handball, Judo, Kabaddi, Powerlifting, Swimming, Shooting, Tennis, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Weightlifting.
Thursday, February 12, 2026