Nagaland’s Abu Metha elected as AFI’s Vice President

‘Humbled and motivated to work harder and serve,’ says Metha

Morung Express News 
Kohima | January 7

In a significant milestone for Nagaland, a state representative has been elected to a key position in a national apex body dedicated to leading, developing, and managing athletics across India.

Abu Metha, who previously served as the Associate Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), has been elected unopposed and elevated as one of the Vice Presidents of the Federation during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Chandigarh on January 7.

In his earlier tenure, Metha served through an appointment under the AFI constitution. However, in his second tenure (2025-2029), he will hold an elected position in the AFI Executive Body. 

Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate Metha’s achievement, wishing him a “successful tenure in advancing athletics in India.” He expressed gratitude to the AFI and the sports community for their support and extended best wishes to the newly elected team.

In response, Metha, who is an Advisor to the Nagaland Chief Minister, expressed humility and motivation, stating:
“Am humbled and greatly motivated to work harder for the cause of sports and to serve the nation and help create opportunities for our youth.”

He also acknowledged the support and solidarity of the Chief Minister and extended his gratitude to the AFI and the athletics fraternity for their encouragement.

Nagaland Athletics congratulated Metha on his election and expressed sincere appreciation to the entire AFI fraternity and members for electing him to the prestigious post. They also extended congratulations to the newly elected body, led by the new President, Bahadur Singh Sagoo.

Nagaland Athletics highlighted Metha’s contributions, noting that under his leadership, India hosted the South Asian Cross Country Championships in Kohima, which coincided with the 56th National Cross Country Championships. Notably, the Nagaland Women’s Team secured a silver medal in the team event.

Additionally, the Nagaland Athletics team was recognised as the best-performing association at the North East Olympics held in Meghalaya, where they won the most medals.

Metha has also undertaken several key responsibilities, including serving as the Indian Team Leader at the World U-20 Championships in Kenya and as a member of the Indian Officials and Observers delegation to the Paris Olympics 2024. He represented India at the World Cross Country Congress in Thailand.

Nagaland Athletics assured its fullest support and cooperation to the AFI, reaffirming its commitment to the collective responsibility of nation-building.

Asian Games champion Sagoo to lead AFI
Meanwhile,  the 2002 Asian Games champion in men’s shot put Bahadur Singh Sagoo was elected unopposed as the new president of the AFI at the Chandigrah AGM. 

Sandeep Mehta, who was the senior joint secretary in the outgoing executive council, was elected unopposed as the AFI secretary, while BE Stanley Jones was made the treasurer.

As per the IANS , Sagoo, who  succeeded the long-serving Adille Sumariwalla for the AFI top job, said he will carry on the good work forward of his illustrious successor to achieve more success at the global level.

Sagoo is a two-time national champion. He also competed in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics and  was also honoured with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour, in 2006.

The outgoing president, Sumariwalla, said all rules were followed to elect new office bearers of the AFI for the next term of four years (2025-2029).

The AFI also plans to organise an invitational javelin throw competition this year while at domestic level, the focus has been to strengthen the district units and continue to fight the menace of doping and overage, the report added. 

Niels Lindholm was an observer (virtual) of World Athletics during the AFI elections of office bearers in Chandigarh.

 Newly Elected AFI Office Bearers & Executive Committee 2025-2029