State to host AFI’s Annual General Meeting in Kohima

Nagaland is set to host the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) in Kohima from April 14 to 15 at Hotel Vivor, marking a historic first for the state.
Addressing a press conference, AFI vice president Abu Metha informed that the meeting, scheduled between April 13 and 16, would bring together close to 100 delegates from across the country, including representatives from all states, Union Territories, sports boards, corporate partners and private sector stakeholders.
He described the occasion as a “historic” and “red-letter event,” noting that it would be the first time a national sports federation was holding its AGM in Nagaland. He said the development was a matter of pride and joy for the entire state.
Metha stated that AFI’s decision to host the AGM in Nagaland reflected its commitment to inclusivity, diversity and the use of sports as a platform to promote national integration and unity. He added that the federation was also seeking to expand opportunities across the country and encourage a sense of belonging to the national mainstream through sports, contributing to nation-building.
He informed that the AGM would be attended by distinguished delegates and special invitees, including representatives from World Athletics, South Asian Athletics, former Olympians, Arjuna Awardees and national award-winning athletes.
Among those expected to attend were noted figures such as Bahadur Singh Sagoo, Anju Bobby George and Jyothi Yarraji, along with members of the AFI executive, the president of the South Asian Athletics Federation and the vice president of World Athletics.
Metha further stated that the AGM would deliberate on key aspects of Indian athletics, including preparation strategies for upcoming international events such as the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, World Indoor Championships and World U-20 Championships. He said discussions would also focus on identifying training locations, coaching camps and exposure opportunities for athletes.
He added that the meeting would address broader issues such as infrastructure development, promotion of athletics across the country and measures to integrate the Northeast, particularly Nagaland, into the national sports ecosystem.
Highlighting the significance of the venue, Metha remarked that Kohima, known globally for the Battle of Kohima, had played a crucial role in world history, and hosting the AGM in such a historic city was in line with its legacy. He expressed hope that the meeting would lead to important decisions benefiting future generations of athletes and the sports fraternity.
He also noted that the AFI had been adjudged among the best athletics associations in Asia and ranked second globally.
Congratulating Nagaland athletes for their performance at the recent Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 held in Chhattisgarh, Metha stated that the state had secured three medals in athletics, including one gold, one silver and one bronze, in its debut appearance. He said the achievement demonstrated the state’s potential and assured that with increased support and attention, athletes from Nagaland could excel further.
Providing an overview of the Nagaland Athletics Association (NAA), Metha informed that the association, formerly known as the Amateur Athletics Association of Nagaland, was established in 1981. It was stated that approximately 70% of its office bearers were former national-level athletes, while around 30% were women, reflecting inclusive representation.
The association was reported to emphasize transparency, adopt modern technology in its operations and maintain strong documentation practices, including regular publication of newsletters, annual reports and coffee table books. It was also stated to have a significant social media presence with high engagement.
Metha said NAA had undertaken several developmental initiatives, including providing financial grants and equipment to district associations, conducting state-level competitions, and preparing athletes for national participation. The association had also hosted major events, including the South Asian Cross Country Championships and the 56th National Cross Country Championships in 2022, the first recognized international Olympic sport event held in Nagaland.
In collaboration with AFI, NAA was reported to have organized technical training programmes such as the District Technical Officials (DTO) courses in Kohima (2021) and Dimapur (2025), and the Federation State Technical Officials (FSTO) course in Kohima (2023).
It was further stated that NAA had been adjudged the Best Sports Association in Nagaland in 2022 by the state government for its performance in consecutive North East Games.
Metha informed that the association also organizes the annual Nagaland 10K—The Great Hornbill Run in collaboration with the Department of Tourism to promote fitness and identify long-distance running talent. Highlighting leadership contributions, Metha, as president of NAA and vice president of AFI, had represented India at the World Mountain Running Congress in Chiangmai, served as team leader of the Indian U-20 athletics team at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2021 in Nairobi, and was an official delegate to the Paris Olympic Games.
On athletes’ achievements, Neiketoulie Belho had been adjudged Best Athlete (men’s category) at the North East Games in Shillong with three gold medals, while Niansai T. secured the Best Athlete title in the U-20 women’s category with two gold medals. Neshe Monyu was conferred the “Outstanding Sportswoman” title at the Nagaland Olympic Games 2022, while Tsuchoi T. and Venuzo Dawhuo were adjudged outstanding sportspersons at the North East Games 2024. The Nagaland women’s team also secured a silver medal in the national category at the South Asian Cross Country Championships 2022 in Kohima.
At the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, Wede T. Mero won gold in the men’s 10,000m, Rüduolhounuo Belho secured silver in the women’s 100m, and Tsuchoi T. clinched bronze in the women’s 5,000m.
Metha further stated that the association currently has around 125 qualified technical officials and about 20 qualified coaches contributing to the development of athletics in the state.