Niathu sports festival 2025 concludes with grand closing ceremony

The eighth edition of the Niathu Sports Festival 2025 came to a close on October 11 with a grand closing ceremony held at The Plaza, Zone Niathu by the Park.
The ceremony was attended by Governor of Nagaland, Ajay Kumar Bhalla as the special guest, along with chief host, Chief Minister of Nagaland and founding member, Dr. Neiphiu Rio. Lt. Gen. A.S. Pendharkar, AVSM, YSM, GOC 3 Corps also graced the occasion as the honoured guest.
Governor Bhalla addressed the gathering with a message of pride and encouragement. He acknowledged the festival as more than a competition, recognizing it as a platform to promote youth engagement, healthy lifestyles, and social unity. He praised the Niathu Group and the Niathu Privilege Club for their consistent efforts in promoting sports through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, which has helped the festival grow into a major annual event in Nagaland. Governor highlighted the growing reach of the festival, noting that it has become a key platform for athletic talent from across the country. This year recorded the highest participation yet, with athletes from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Goa, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Assam, and others taking part. He noted that the festival has successfully turned Dimapur into a national hub of sporting talent and cultural exchange.
He emphasized that sports have the power to bridge regional, cultural, and linguistic divides, fostering values of discipline, friendship, and fair play. He also underlined the role of sports in promoting peace and mutual respect, especially in a region like Nagaland that now enjoys a peaceful and stable environment conducive to youth development.
The Governor reflected on the deeper purpose of the festival, focusing on the nurturing of young talent and the promotion of inclusivity and community spirit. He encouraged athletes to carry forward the values of perseverance, teamwork, and respect in their everyday lives. Participants were reminded that true success lies not just in winning medals, but in building character and contributing positively to society.
In his closing message, Governor Bhalla expressed hope that the Niathu Sports Festival will continue to serve as a symbol of youth empowerment, physical wellness, and community harmony for years to come — not only in Nagaland, but across the nation.
Earlier, the programme was emceed by Imnasenla. Welcome address was delivered by festival advisor, Basu Damani, followed by a detailed tournament report presented by Khriemelie Metha from the Core Committee. A special musical performance was presented by Vetho Rakho and Azi Rudy.
Highlights of the evening included the Prize Distribution Ceremony, where winners and participants were honoured across various sporting categories.