Arrival of delegates on April 13 for AGM 2026 of Athletics Federation of India in Kohima. (Photo Courtesy: Nagaland Athletics)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 13
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio will grace the inaugural session of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026 of Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on April 14 at 10:00 AM at Hotel Vivor, Kohima. Dr Lalit K Bhanot, President, South Asian Athletics Federation will be the guest of honour.
Later, a cultural programme in honour of the delegates and participants of the AGM will take place on April 14 at 7:30 PM at Lok Bhavan, Kohima. Special address will be made by Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav. The evening will feature cultural presentation from North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC).
For the first time, NAA is hosting this AGM of a National Federation in Nagaland, reflecting the state’s growing prominence and active role in the development of athletics in India. The AGM, to continue till, April 15, will be attended by distinguished delegates and special invitees, including representatives from World Athletics, South Asia Athletics, officials from various States and Union Territories, as well as former Olympians from across the country for important deliberations on the future of Indian athletics.
About Nagaland Athletics
Nagaland Athletics Association (NAA), formerly known as the Amateur Athletics Association of Nagaland, was established in 1981. The Association emphasizes transparency in functioning and actively adopts modern technology in its operations. It maintains a strong and vibrant social media presence, achieving one of the highest engagement and traction levels among state sports associations, both within Nagaland and at the national level.
NAA provides financial grants and sports equipment to district associations to strengthen grassroots development. It conducts state-level competitions for junior and senior athletes, selects and prepares athletes for national-level participation.
The Association has hosted major national and international event, the first ever recognized international Olympic sport event hosted in Nagaland: The South Asian Cross Country Championships & 56th National Cross Country Championships (2022) held in Kohima. In collaboration with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), the Association has organized several technical training programs.
NAA organizes the annual Nagaland 10K – The Great Hornbill Run in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, aimed at promoting fitness, wellness, and identifying long-distance running talent.
NAA President Abu Metha, who is also Vice President AFI, has significantly contributed to Indian athletics at the international level. He represented India at the World Mountain Running Congress in Chiangmai, Thailand. He served as the Team Leader of the Indian U-20 Athletics Team at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2021 held in Nairobi, Kenya. He was also an official delegate to the Paris Olympic Games, further strengthening Nagaland’s presence on the global sporting stage.
NAA has approximately 125 qualified technical officials, contributing significantly to the efficient conduct of competitions and the overall development of athletics in the state. It has approximately 20 qualified coaches, who play a vital role in athlete training, performance development, and grassroots talent identification across the state.
