Minister Jacob Zhimomi meets Nagaland Association of Kickboxing Organisation team after their successful New Delhi outing in 5th India Open International Kickboxing Cup.
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DIMAPUR/MOPUNGCHUKET — Naga kickboxers were felicitated in Dimapur and Mopungchuket following their achievements at the 5th India Open International Kickboxing Cup held in New Delhi, where the team secured one gold medal, two silver medals, one bronze medal and a fourth-place finish.
According to a press release, in Dimapur on Saturday, the Nagaland Association of Kickboxing Organisation (NAKO) led by president Khetoho Zhimomi called on Minister for Public Health Engineering Departmen and Cooperation Jacob Zhimomi following their recent outing at the international event.
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The minister congratulated the team for its success despite obstacles and shortcomings, and assured them of necessary support in the near future by tying up with the concerned department and authorities.
Maintaining that Nagas are naturally born fighters, Jacob stated that the fighting, martial arts and kickboxing scene needs to be explored further as it would provide a source of employment and income to Naga youth.
The medalists are Mongsen Longkumer, who won the gold medal against Egypt; Temsunungsang, who won the silver medal against Iraq; Kulungshi Newmai, who won the silver medal against Maharashtra; Rokato Zhimo, who won the bronze medal against Kazakhstan; and Riaj, who secured fourth rank against Kazakhstan.
Earlier, in Mopungchuket on February 13, the Mopungchuket Village Sports Federation accorded a celebratory reception to Longkumer.
The 52-year-old medallist was welcomed at the Mopungchuket village gate with a traditional victory song before proceeding to the main event at the MSM Complex.
In the final bout of the Veteran 84 kg category, Longkumer defeated his opponent from West Bengal to claim the gold medal for India.
Earlier, he secured his spot in the final by overcoming Salah Fathi Mohamed Azzazi of Egypt in the semi-final. The international event, held from February 4 to the 8th at the K D Jadhav Indoor Stadium, saw participation from over 3,000 athletes representing 25 nations.
The felicitation ceremony featured representatives from the Mokokchung District Martial Arts Association (MDMAA).
According to the MDMAA, Longkumer competed in the Veterans category (41–52 years) in the 74–84 kg division.
The MDMAA hosted a separate felicitation programme at the residence of its treasurer where both Longkumer and Riaj were honoured. The association noted that these achievements have bolstered the spirit of the local martial arts community in Mokokchung.
