Recipients of the state sports award with officials during the observance of National Sports Day at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on August 29. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 29
The Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Government of Nagaland on August 29 presented cash award to the meritorious sportspersons during the observance of National Sports Day at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Around Rs 23 lakh cash award have been presented to 89 outstanding athletes including two coaches, a referee and young achiever, who excelled at the national and international level in the various disciplines.
The award has been conferred in the discipline of Sepaktakraw, Taekwondo, Shooting, Athletics, Boxing, Archery, Badminton and Pencat Silat.
Puleno Neikha, Sports Coach (Sepktaktraw) and Deep Kumar, Sports Coach (Pencak Silat) have been conferred with the coaches award.
Mechievilie, National Referee (Football) was the recipient of referee award while Wangshem Konyak (Football) has been conferred with Young Achiever award.
The winners of the Athletics Meet 2026, conducted by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports during the commemorative programme of National Sports Day on August 26, have also been honoured on the occasion.
Earlier, addressing the gathering, Anthony Ngullie, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Department of Youth Resource & Sports, said that Nagaland has produced many outstanding athletes who have brought glory to the state through their dedication, discipline and continuous effort.
“It is a wonderful occasion to recognize the importance of sports in our lives and to honour the dedication of our sportspersons,” he said.
He said that National Sports Day commemorated the birthday of Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary Indian hockey player.
Stating that sports teach us discipline, teamwork, determination, patience and the courage to face both victory and defeat, Ngullie said “Today, we are proud to honour deserving sports persons with awards for outstanding performance, hard work, sacrifice and perseverance.”
Stating that the achievers had inspired young athletes to dream big and represent the country, he said “Let us celebrate sports, honour our champions and encourage every young talent strive and succeed.”
The programme was chaired by Jakedovo Chase, Additional Director YRS while Tiameren Chang, Joint Secretary, YRS delivered welcome address.
Vikhoto Zao, pastor PCRC invoked God’s blessings while Azi Rudy presented a special number.
Khriehutuo Tsira, Joint Director, YRS proposed vote of thanks.
Recipients of State Sports Award 2026
SEPAKTAKRAW: The recipients in the field of Sepaktakraw included; Menenu Tsukru, Seyiekhrieno Tepa, Neikuo Sorhie, Kuwangbou Pamai, Sinlo Thong, Z Kaisuangdibo Newmai, Nongoto Koso, Limika Chishi, Vikhosanu Pucho, Meyonu Pucho, Bolika Chishi, Thujono, Khele Longang, Anchao Phongnyei Konyak, Mudotsu Dozo, Y Nongothung Kikon, L Ngamphoa Konyak, Wangyoh Konyak, Pongba P, Changkam, Wangshak Konyak, Keneikhriezo Nakhro, Pungotolu Puro, Jwensinle Kesen, Rukuvinu Tsukru, Mongshai, Akumtila, Sezovelu Dozo, Kezevinuo, Kechosenu Hibo, Angshan A Konyak, Wantai H, Lichano L Emungrui, Kevisaho Neikha, Hopson Sumi, Neivilhoukho Miasalhou, C Tiajungla, Nsamlungbe, Surholu Nyekha, Konsam Joyshree Singha, Ketsolenu Toso Mhalevinu Kiso, Metsisietuo Terhujah, Medosevi Terhuja, Rokoneitso Mera and Tikpha.
TAEKWONDO: Sudeh Lamliu, Shiusuthong, Shiuthong, Ichiheing Ndang and Keyizieteibe Zelui
SHOOTING: Lanu Rongsenkaba Jamir, Kikrukhrienuo Belho and M Tiatemjen Jamir
ATHLETICS: Wede T Mero, Ruduolhoinuo Rachel Belho and Tsuchoi T.
BOXING: Sanju
ARCHERY: Nciepzeule, Suniya Mech, D Keyinchingluneile Zeme, Ruovinuo Theunuo, Vesevolu Swuro, Kevikieno Rikha, Rovine Domeh, Vetavolu Rhakho, Lotsulu Sazo and Keneisao Theunuo.
BADMINTON: Peramrisi Zeliang, Debahuti Lahon and Zhakuo Seyie.
PENCAK SILAT: Kevin, Liike Kibami, Niepuleno Suokhrie, Akhumse A Sangtam, Puloka K Achumi, Kitenlo K Thono, Nyia K Thono, Chithuyio Kajisho, Avikali V Sheqi, Hatneinem Khongsai, Jon, Dausanliu Rentta, Altab Uddin Choudhury, Nishepe Zhimomi, Heile Kath, Imtichila Pongen and Tina Thapa.
