NOA officials pose for a photo during a Safeguarding in Sports Workshop at the Hokato Hotozhe Auditorium, NSPG 2026 Games Village, Chümoukedima, on November 8.
Chümoukedima, November 8 (MExN): The Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) organised a Safeguarding in Sports Workshop at the Hokato Hotozhe Auditorium, NSPG 2026 Games Village, Chümoukedima, on Sunday, bringing together over 120 stakeholders to promote a safer, more inclusive and accountable sporting environment.
Described as a pioneering initiative by the NOA and among the first of its kind in the region, the workshop was attended by representatives of sports associations from across Nagaland, officials of the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, liaison officers, volunteers and personnel associated with the Nagaland State and Para Games 2026.
Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India and Secretary General of the NOA, attended the programme and delivered the welcome address.
The workshop aimed to strengthen awareness and understanding of safeguarding principles in sports, particularly in preventing harassment, abuse, discrimination and exploitation, while ensuring the safety, dignity and well-being of athletes and others associated with sporting activities.
The programme featured two resource persons, Neetal Narang and Shailaja Rajan Raj, who shared their professional experience and expertise in safeguarding, leadership and organisational development.
Narang, a sports administrator and safeguarding advocate with over 18 years of experience in sports administration and leadership at the national level, has been involved in advancing safeguarding practices within Indian sports.
She was nominated by the Indian Olympic Association to represent India at the Olympic Council of Asia’s Safeguarding Workshop in Bangkok in 2025. She has also undertaken safeguarding responsibilities at major national and international sporting events, including the 2025 National Games in Uttarakhand.
The second resource person, Shailaja Rajan Raj, is a Human Resources and Organisational Development Consultant, Leadership Trainer and Management Trainer with over 25 years of professional experience. He has worked with leading public and private sector organisations, including Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and JSW.
Having also served as a Safety Leadership Trainer for JSW, he shared his expertise in workplace safety, Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH), emotional well-being, leadership development and organisational management. He highlighted the importance of institutional responsibility and professional conduct in creating safe sporting environments.
The workshop emphasised the need to recognise safeguarding concerns, establish appropriate reporting mechanisms, promote responsible conduct and strengthen institutional accountability across sports organisations.
It also highlighted the importance of equipping athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and administrators with the knowledge and awareness required to prevent misconduct and respond effectively to safeguarding concerns.
By bringing together sports associations and key stakeholders on a common platform, the NOA took a step towards institutionalising safeguarding awareness within Nagaland’s sporting framework.
The participation of over 120 stakeholders reflected growing recognition of safeguarding as an essential component of modern sports administration and athlete welfare.
The NOA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, gender equality, inclusion and athlete protection, and strengthening a sporting culture based on safety, respect, dignity and account
