Niathu Sports Festival to be held from Oct 9 to 11

The much-awaited 8th edition of the Niathu Sports Festival (NSF) is set to be held from October 8 to 11, under the theme, “Celebrating Youth through Sports”. The festival is an initiative of Niathu Group Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), in partnership with Niathu Group Privilege Club Members.
Addressing media fraternity at a press conference, festival advisor, Watinuksung Jamir, stated that the festival, which first commenced in 2010, had been on hold for several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however adding that it has now returned in full vigour, with participation from across the North East states and beyond.
“Sport is more than just a game. It instils discipline, teamwork and unity in the community”, he remarked, adding that the festival has become a platform to nurture sporting talent and encourage a spirit of togetherness among participants.
Dwelling on the festival in depth, District Sports Officer Chümoukedima, Wutsutho, informed that the 8th edition of Niathu Sports Festival would feature eight sporting disciplines, with various venues hosting the competitions.
He stated that events such as Badminton, Futsal, Volleyball, Marathon and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) would be held at Niathu Resort, Pickleball will be organized at Fitness House, while Basketball matches would take place at Noune Resort.
When asked on how players could register and the last date of registration, he informed that interested participants can get details on registration through the Niathu Sports Festival Instagram handle, adding that registration for all events will be closed on October 8, 3 PM.
He also added that the total prize pool for the festival stands at Rs. 10.5 lakh.
Asked on the categories of disciplines for each sport, Wutsutho informed that details of all sporting disciplines would be available at Niathu Sports Festival Instagram handle.
Meanwhile, dwelling briefly on the Naga Wrestling discipline, coordinator, Niathu Sports Festival, Neiviluoli Khatsu, highlighted that Naga Wrestling would be organized under the aegis of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) in collaboration with NSF, and would be officiated by the Nagaland Wrestling Referee Board (NWRB).
He stated that the competition would have open and below-80kg categories, with the weigh-in for the below-80kg category to be conducted on October 9, 8 AM, and registration open until the same morning.
Further dwelling on the MMA event, member of organizing committee, Khriemelie Metha, informed that MMA event would be held on October 10 at Zone Niathu by the Park as a social ticket event, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.
He stated that the event would feature eight fights, including five professional bouts and three amateur matches, with athletes from several parts of the country taking part.