Pradeep J with Ruokuovikho Chale during a press conference at Symphony Café in Kohima on August 24. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 24
Nagaland will join the nationwide National Sports Day and Khelo India Samvad 2026 programme on August 27, with events scheduled at 20 venues across the state, officials said on Monday.
The programme is being organised through the office of the State Director, MY Bharat Nagaland, and District Youth Officer (DYO), MY Bharat Kohima, with a focus on youth participation, sports development and nation-building.
In Kohima, the programme will be held simultaneously at Don Bosco College and Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, from 10 am.
Addressing a press conference here at Symphony Café, DYO MY Bharat Kohima Pradeep J said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would virtually address more than eight lakh young participants gathered at 1,600 locations across the country.
National Sports Day is celebrated on August 29 in honour of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. This year’s special pan-India programme, however, will be held on August 27.
Distinguished guests, local leaders and youth participants have been requested to reach their respective venues by 10 am to ensure seamless connectivity with the national platform.
Following the Prime Minister’s address, the venues will host local youth engagement sessions, including interactions with MPs, MLAs, ministers and local leaders.
A focused interaction between MY Bharat volunteers and local sportspersons will also be held. Local sports personalities Limshito Yimchunger and Rovine Domeh will share their experiences with participants and encourage young people to pursue sports.
Pradeep said the discussions would highlight the transformation of India’s sports infrastructure and ecosystem over the past 12 years under the leadership of Modi.
The programme will also feature a 15-minute Youth Samvaad, an interactive forum where young participants can share their ideas, suggestions and aspirations for the future of Indian sports and a “Viksit Bharat”.
The session will focus on four themes -- strengthening the sports ecosystem through improved grassroots coaching, facilities and opportunities; nurturing talent for the 2036 Olympics through scientific talent identification and athlete development; enhancing youth leadership through greater participation in governance; and youth empowerment through future-ready skills, volunteering opportunities and nation-building initiatives.
To ensure wider participation, suggestions and aspirations from youth will be digitally compiled through a dedicated QR-code facility at the venues.
Participants will also be encouraged to take part in the competitive “VBYLD Quiz” round at the venues.
DYO MY Bharat Kohima invited youth, sports enthusiasts and members of the media to participate in the programme, describing it as an event connecting Kohima with the national sports transformation initiative.
Ruokuovikho Chale, State APS, MY Bharat Nagaland, said 20 venues had so far been identified across the state for National Sports Day events.
He said MY Bharat Nagaland was coordinating closely with Anthony Ngullie, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Youth Resources and Sports.
The programme is expected to be conducted in a purposeful and systematic manner in the larger interest of the youth of Nagaland, particularly the sports fraternity, Chale said.
National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers will assist with venue management, he said.
Venues identified across Nagaland
• Chümoukedima: Patkai Christian College; Tetso College
• Dimapur: MGM College; Pranab College
• Kiphire: Zisaji Presidency College
• Kohima: Kohima Science College, Jotsoma; Don Bosco College
• Longleng: Yingli College
• Mokokchung: Jubilee Memorial College; Fazl Ali College
• Mon: Wangkhao College; Newman Higher Secondary School, Tobu
• Niuland: Platinum College
• Peren: St Xavier College, Jalukie; Peren Government College
• Phek: Phek Government College; Pfutsero Government College
• Tuensang: Sao Chang College
• Wokha: Bailey Baptist College; Mt Tiyi College
