Curtains down on North East Games; Manipur emerges overall champion, Nagaland second

DIMAPUR — The 3rd North East Games 2024 concluded on Saturday with Manipur emerging as the overall champion for the third consecutive time by winning 130 medals, including 52 gold, 38 silver and 40 bronze.

The closing ceremony of the North East’s biggest sporting event was held at Sovima in Chümoukedima, Nagaland.

Manipur athletes showcased unparalleled skill and determination as the game progressed and eventually overtook the host Nagaland in the medal tally.

Nagaland put up an impressive show throughout the event, topping the chart for three consecutive days before slipping to the second position. It went on to claim the 1st runners-up position in the medal tally with 134 medals, including 48 gold, 42 silver and 44 bronze.

The state jumped from top 5 in the previous edition to the second this time, while Assam, which stood in the second spot in both the previous editions slipped to the third position with 139 medals, including 43 Gold, 44 Silver and 52 Bronze.

Tsuchoi, Venuzo win individual awards

Outstanding individuals and states were also awarded for their exemplary contributions to the games.

Tsuchoi T of Nagaland, won the Outstanding Sportswoman Award for her commendable performance at the event, bagging four gold medals in athletics, including the 5000 meters, 10,000 metres mixed rally and women’s cross-country team events. She also won two silver medals in women’s cross country race and 4×4 100 rally race.

Venuzo Dawhou, also from Nagaland, won the Outstanding Sportsman Award for winning gold in shot put and discus throw events. He was the only sportsman to win two gold medals in athletics at the North East Games 2024.

The Fair play trophy was awarded to Sikkim for demonstrating the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair play throughout the event, while Tripura received the award for Spirit of Olympic 2024 for embodying the values of sportsmanship, unity, and excellence.

Adilet Bayaman Uulu, President of World Alysh Federation, was the chief guest of the North East Games 2024 closing ceremony.