Action from the NBCC Sports Festival at the Nagaland Police Complex, Chümoukedima, on March 24.
42 teams to compete in football and volleyball
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | March 24
The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) Sports Festival 2026 commenced on March 24 at the Nagaland Police Complex, Chümoukedima. The four-day event, organised by the Sports and Scripture Engagement (SSE) Ministry of the NBCC Youth Department, will feature 21 football teams (men’s) and 21 volleyball teams (women’s). It will conclude on March 27.
The participating teams represent the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang, Angami Baptist Church Council, Chakhesang Baptist Church Council, Chang Baptist Lashong Thangyen, Council of Rengma Baptist Churches, Kuki Baptist Association, Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjung, Khiamniungan Baptist Church Association, Liangmai Baptist Aruang, Nagaland Police Baptist Churches Association, Phom Baptist Christian Association, Pochury Baptist Church Council, Rongmei Baptist Church Association Nagaland, Sümi Aphuyemi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu, Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu, United Sangtam Baptist Lithroti Ashimükhong, Western Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu, Yimkhiung Baptist Borü Amükhungdo, and Zeme Baptist Church Council, Nagamese Baptist Churches Association, and Association of Gorkha Baptist Churches Nagaland.
According to NBCC Youth Secretary, Rev N Suhuto Chishi, the festival is an initiative to engage young people through recreational activities while grounding them in biblical teachings. He said that the ministry’s vision involves integrating sports with spiritual discipleship. With this as the guiding principle, he added that the proposal to establish the NBCC Sports Centre in Kohima was started.
DIGP (Border) Imnalensa, who unfurled the festival flag, urged the participants to compete with passion and respect for their opponents. In line with the festival’s theme, “Pray, play, and proclaim,” he said that sportsmanship should reflect faith. “May your sportsmanship reflect your faith and whether you win or lose, may you do so with grace, honor, and gratitude,” Imnalensa said. The opening ceremony was held at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium.
