Nagaland DGP Rupin Sharma, Chairman IDAN Abu Metha, felicitates the winner during the 1st Inter-School Sports Festival 2026 held at Chümoukedima on February 28. (DIPR Photo)
Chümoukedima, February 28 (MExN): The Nagaland Police 1st Inter-School Sports Festival 2026 culminated on February 28 with a closing ceremony held at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium.
The programme was graced by Director General of Police (DGP), Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, as the Guest of Honour, and Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman IDAN, Abu Metha, as the Special Guest, along with other dignitaries.
In his address, Metha congratulated the DGP and the Nagaland Police for successfully organising the first-ever Nagaland Police Inter-School Sports Festival. Conveying the best wishes of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, he congratulated all participants and said that every student who reached the state-level championship should consider themselves a winner.
He observed that it was significant that such a sports festival was being organised for the first time even after more than six decades of Nagaland’s statehood, describing it as a meaningful beginning for the future.
Highlighting the potential of Naga youth, Metha said the state has abundant raw talent and that, given the right opportunities, young people can achieve excellence at the highest levels. He cited the examples of Talimeren Ao, India’s first football captain at the 1948 London Olympics; Chekrovolu Swuro, an archer who represented India internationally and received the Arjuna Award; and Hokato Hotozhe Sema, who, despite losing a leg in a terrorist attack, went on to win a medal in shot put at the Paris Paralympic Games. He said their achievements demonstrated that dedication and hard work can overcome limitations.
Addressing students, particularly those from police families studying in regimental schools, Metha urged them to draw inspiration from such examples and work hard in their chosen fields. He reminded them that their education is the result of collective efforts by police personnel, school authorities and teachers, and that their success would be the greatest reward for these efforts.
DGP Rupin Sharma expressed gratitude to the students, principals and parents of the Nagaland Police Schools for their active participation. He said such events provide valuable learning experiences through sports and interaction, and thanked sponsors and donors for their contributions.
He also spoke about measures being taken to improve police schools, including the recruitment of qualified teachers and principals to strengthen academic standards. Sharma acknowledged the contribution of the State Education Department, which provided Rs 75,000 to each unit school last year, and stated that the Nagaland Police Schools are largely supported through contributions from jawans and staff members of the Nagaland Police.
Reiterating the commitment of the force towards the welfare and development of police schools, he encouraged continued cooperation from all stakeholders.
Nagaland Police Central School, 1st NAP Battalion, emerged as the Overall Champion, while Regimental School, 4th NAP Battalion, Thizama, secured the runner-up position.
The sports festival featured competitions in rhymes, tunnel ball, 100-metre sprint, relay race, futsal, long jump, high jump, penalty shoot-out and volleyball.
Participating schools included Nagaland Police Central School, 1st NAP; Regimental School, 2nd NAP, Alichen; Battalion High School, 3rd NAP; Regimental School, 4th NAP, Thizama; Holy Care, 5th NAP; Unit School, 6th NAP, Tizit; Unit School, 7th NAP; Unit School, 8th NAP; MVS, 9th NAP; PPS, 10th NAP (IR); CPS, 12th NAP (IR); Police Unit School, DEF Mon; New Reserve, Phesama; DEF Kohima; DEF Mokokchung; and DEF Wokha.
