NBBFA fetes Hashnu, Sorunuo for int’l achievement

KOHIMA, JUL 23 (NPN): The Nagaland Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (NBBFA) on Thursday felicitated international bodybuilders Lily Hashnu and Keneilelie Sorunuo for representing India at the 16th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships held in Thimphu, Bhutan, from June 30 to July 4. Hashnu brought laurels to the country by winning the gold medal in the Women’s Model Physique (Below 155 cm) category, while Sorunuo also represented India with distinction.
Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, S. Keoshu Yimkhiung, graced the event as the special guest. He described the athletes’ achievement as a proud moment not only for Nagaland but also for India. He emphasized that their selection to represent the country was a milestone for their families, coaches, and the state. Yimkhiung highlighted the immense discipline, sacrifice, and hard work required in bodybuilding, noting that while the public often sees only medals and trophies, athletes endure rigorous training schedules, strict diets, and relentless focus.
He praised Hashnu and Sorunuo for proving that Nagaland possesses the talent and determination to compete internationally, inspiring young people to pursue sports. He also acknowledged the role of coaches, trainers, officials, and families in supporting athletes. Stressing the importance of better facilities and opportunities, Yimkhiung urged the government and society to provide stronger support so that more athletes from Nagaland could excel nationally and internationally.
Guest of honour and director of Youth Resources and Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose, congratulated the athletes and reflected on the growing recognition of bodybuilding and fitness as a serious sporting discipline. He agreed with Hashnu’s observation that bodybuilding remains underrated, but pointed out that fitness is now central to modern sports, with the Government of India promoting the Fit India Movement under the Khelo India programme.
Sekhose informed that Nagaland had established its first Strength and Conditioning Laboratory at Indira Gandhi Stadium under the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence, with plans to expand similar facilities across the state. He noted that physical fitness underpins all sports, from precision-based disciplines to endurance events like football and long-distance running.
He recalled that bodybuilding was once seen as a hobby, but athletes like Hashnu and Sorunuo have demonstrated its potential as a professional career, though it demands exceptional dedication. He also cautioned against improper weight training without qualified supervision, recalling incidents of spinal injuries among youth in the past. Expressing satisfaction that Nagaland now has qualified trainers and fitness centres, he assured that the government would support the association if appropriate proposals were submitted.
Sekhose acknowledged that bodybuilding is not an Olympic sport but stressed that fitness and strength conditioning are indispensable across all disciplines, helping athletes improve performance and prevent injuries. He wished the athletes success in future competitions.
In her response, Lily Hashnu expressed gratitude to NBBFA and the dignitaries for the recognition, calling it a tribute to everyone who supported her journey. She reiterated that bodybuilding is underrated despite being an officially recognised competitive discipline. She explained that bodybuilding involves structured training, strict nutrition, weight management and athletes are judged on conditioning, symmetry, muscle development, posing skills and presentation.
Hashnu observed that the sport lacks recognition partly because it is not part of the Olympic Games. She stressed that growth depends on state government support, noting that neighbouring states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur provide considerable assistance to bodybuilding athletes.
She clarified that NBBFA athletes compete under the Indian Body Builders Federation (IBBF), which was recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India from 2012 to 2021, with renewal ongoing.
Highlighting financial challenges, Hashnu described bodybuilding as one of the most expensive sports, requiring year-round expenditure on nutrition, coaching, supplements, travel, accommodation and preparation. She said financial constraints remain a major obstacle but passion drives athletes forward.
Hashnu emphasized that every medal won brings pride to Nagaland. Competing since 2018, she said she always proudly identifies herself as being from Nagaland, often mentioning the Hornbill Festival to help others recognize the state. She expressed hope that athletes like her and Sorunuo would inspire youth to adopt healthy lifestyles.
She also praised NBBFA for consistently creating opportunities despite limited resources, describing the association as the backbone of bodybuilding in Nagaland.
The programme was chaired by NBBFA women coordinator Chubalemla Ao and attended by dignitaries, officials and sports enthusiasts. NBBFA president Chubaonen Ao delivered the welcome address and general secretary Thejakhrietuo Kire proposed the vote of thanks.