Correspondent
KOHIMA, AUG 29 (NPN): The National Sports Day-cum-Cash Award Ceremony for Meritorious Sportspersons 2026 was held at Hall A, IG Stadium, Kohima on August 29, organised by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Nagaland.
Special guest Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Youth Resources & Sports Department, Anthony Ngullie, in his address said the occasion was organised to celebrate National Sports Day and honour meritorious sportspersons for their achievements. He reminded that the day commemorates the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, describing it as an opportunity to recognise the importance of sports in people’s lives and to honour the dedication of athletes.
Ngullie highlighted that sports instil discipline, teamwork, determination, patience and the courage to face both victory and defeat. He said the award ceremony was a platform to honour deserving sportspersons for their outstanding performances, sacrifice and perseverance, adding that they inspire young athletes to dream big and represent the country. He also acknowledged Nagaland’s athletes who have brought glory to the state and appreciated the role of coaches in mentoring them.
Earlier, the award distribution for winners of the Athletics Meet 2026, held on August 26 at IG Stadium, was led by Joint Secretary, Youth Resources & Sports Department, Tiameren Chang. Awards were presented by the special guest, while the programme was led with an invocation by pastor PCRC, Vikhoto Zao and concluded with a vote of thanks by Joint Director, Youth Resources & Sports Department, Khriehutuo Tsira.
Awardees for Meritorious Sportspersons
Sepaktakraw: Menenu Tsukru, Seyiekhrieno Tepa, Neikuo Sorhie, Kuwangbou Pamai, Sinlo Thong, Z Kaisuangdibo Newmai, Nongoto Koso, Limika Chishi, Vikhosanu Pucho, Meyonu Pucho, Bolika Chishi, Thujono, Khele Longang, Anchao Phongnyei Konyak, Mudotsu Dozo, L Ngamphoa Konyak, Wangyoh Konyak, Pongba P, Changkam, Wangshak Konyak, Keneikhriezo Nakhro, Pungotolu Puro, Jwensinle Kesen, Rukuvinu Tsukru, Mongshai, Akumtila, Sezovelu Dozo, Kezevinuo, Kechosenu Hibo, Angshan A Konyak, Wantai H, Lichano L Emungrui, Kevisaho Neikha, Hopson Sumi, Neivilhoukho Miasalhou, C Tiajungla, Nsamlungbe, Surholu Nyekha, Konsam Joyshree Singha, Ketsolenu Toso, Mhalevinu Kiso, Metsisietuo Terhujah, Medosevi Terhuja, Rokoneitso Mera and Tikpha.
Taekwondo: Sudeh Lamliu, Shiusuthong, Ichiheing Ndang, Shiuthong and Keyizieteibe Zelui.
Shooting: Lanu Rongsenkaba Jamir, Kikrukhrienuo Belho, M Tiatemjen Jamir, Wede T Mero, Ruduolhoinuo Rachel Belho and Tsuchoi T.
Boxing: Sanju.
Archery: Nciepzeule, Suniya Mech, Ruovinuo Theunuo, Vesevolu Swuro, Kevikieno Rikha, Rovine Domeh, Vetavolu Rhakho, Lotsulu Sazo and Keneisao Theunuo.
Badminton: Peramrisi Zeliang, Debahuti Lahore and Zhakuo Seyie.
Pencak Silat: Kevin, Like Kibami, Niepuleno Suokhrie, Akhumse A Sangtam, Puloka K Achumi, Kitenlo K Thono, Hinokali, Nyia K Thono, Chithuyio Kajisho, Avikali V Sheqi, Hatneinem Khongsai, Jon, Dausanliu Rentta, Altab Uddin Choudhury, Nishepe Zhimomi, Heile Kath, Imtichila Pongen and Tina Thapa.
Other Awards
Coaches Award: Puleno Neikha, Sports Coach (Sepaktakraw); Deep Kumar, Sports Coach (Pencak Silat)
Referee Award: Mechievilie, National Referee (Football)
Young Achiever Award: Master Wangshem Konyak (Football).
Awards were also presented to the winners of the Athletic Meet 2026, which was held at the IG Stadium, Kohima, on August 26, with participation from eight schools across Kohima.
Among them were The ‘Best Athlete’ awards presented in the following categories: Junior Boys – Thejaselhoulie Suohu of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School (DBHSS); Junior Girls – Megolhounuo Khawakhrie of Christ King Higher Secondary School (CKHSS); Senior Boys – Khriezelhou Keditsu of DBHSS; and Senior Girls – Pelevinuo of Northfield School.