151 athletes from across Nagaland were honoured on Friday as part of the National Sports Day celebrations. The awardees, who have excelled at Northeast, national, and international levels, were recognised for bringing glory to the state and inspiring younger generations to pursue sports. The programme, attended by key government officials and dignitaries, was marked by both celebration and renewed commitment towards building a stronger sporting ecosystem in Nagaland. Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, S. Keoshu Yimkhiung, congratulated the athletes and announced that the state government is finalising a new sports policy aligned with the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025. “This policy will be comprehensive, aiming not only to support athletes but also to create opportunities, strengthen infrastructure, and safeguard the interests of our sportspersons,” he said.
Yimkhiung highlighted the legacy of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, whose birth anniversary is commemorated as National Sports Day, and reminded the gathering that sports are not merely a pursuit of medals but also of discipline, teamwork, and character building. He pointed out that most of Nagaland’s 17 districts are now equipped with modern stadiums, futsal courts, and other facilities, while projects are still ongoing in the remaining districts. He further urged the state police department to extend job opportunities to athletes who have represented Nagaland with distinction.
Nagaland Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma, in his address, reflected on both the promise and the challenges facing athletes in the state. He praised the resilience of Nagaland’s youth, many of whom have achieved success despite limited resources and exposure. At the same time, he acknowledged that sporting careers are often short and that lack of private sponsorships, along with the state’s economic and geographical constraints, continue to pose hurdles.
