Naga athletes feted for performance in Asian Para Games, National Games

DIMAPUR — A felicitation programme for medalists of the recently concluded 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou and the 37th National Games in Goa was held at the Raj Bhavan, Kohima, on Thursday.

Addressing the gathering, Nagaland Governor La Ganesan congratulated Hokato Hotozhe Sema who won the bronze medal for shotput in the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China. He said it was a historic win for both the state and India. The governor also expressed happiness for the athletes who won 8 medals in the 37th National Games, Goa, according to an update from the Raj Bhavan PRO.

Ganesan congratulated the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) for its contributions towards this accomplishment and expressed his happiness at NOA for actively organising and participating in events at the state, national and international levels.

Conveying his happiness that the NOA would be hosting the North-East Olympic Games in 2024 for the first time, he requested the association to continue the good work in creating more platforms for athletes and bringing more opportunities and training facilities.

He said that the uplift of games and sports can help in curbing unemployment problem of the state and also the menace of drug abuse, which is posing a threat to the lives of many of youngsters.

The governor said that the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) can also play a vital role in enriching the talents of Naga youths. He added that Nagas are second to none and with the support from the concerned government departments and stakeholders, they can compete with others and excel to greater heights.

Chief Minister Neiphui Rio, who was the special guest, congratulated the achievers, officials of NOA, and the department of YRS.

Acknowledging the governor for always opening the doors of Raj Bhavan to promote the youth and people of state, Rio said that the Naga sportspersons brought laurels after a long gap and also said that the government is trying to bring sports infrastructural development in all the districts and impart proper training with facilities.

He added that the government intends to hire good coaches, dietitians, physiotherapists to promote the talented youth. He called upon the sportspersons to sacrifice and maintain self-control, discipline, commitment and determination to achieve their goals. He expressed his happiness that the state is achieving and improving in the field of various sports activities, slowly and gradually.

All together, 28 medalists brought laurels to the state in the 37th National Games, Goa. The Governor and Chief Minister handed over the certificates with cash awards to the medalists, coaches and physiotherapists.

The bronze medalist Hokato Hotozhe Sema (4th Asian Para Games) was awarded with INR 5 lakh. Gold medalists for the National Games were awarded INR 3 lakh each, silver medalists received INR 2 lakh each, and the bronze medalists received INR 1 lakh each.

Achievers in different events at the National Games included Kethinlo K Thono (Pencak Silat), Lüke Kibami (Pencak Silat), Akumtila, Menenu Tsukru, Rukuvinu Tsukru, Sezovelu Dozo, Seyiekhrieno Tepa ( Women Team Event & Regu Event in Sepaktakraw), Preeti ( 60 Kg in Boxing), Lüke Kibami, Avilali V Sheqi, Hinokali (Regu Women in Pencak Silat) and Jwensinle Kesen, Nyukai S, Kechosenu Hibo, Kezevino,Pungotolu Puro, Angshan A Konyak, Wantai H, Leingam, Tiajungla, Monshai (Women Team in Pencak) ,Sanju (66 Kg in Boxing) and Sudhir Chauhan (87 kg in Taekwondo).

A display of Pencak Silat was also done during the event along with a special song presented by Thunglamo Ngullie & Zareni Kithan. The programme was attended by NOA founder Lanu Toy, advisors, MLAs and other officials.

Earlier, the advisor for YRS, S Keoshu Yimkhiung welcomed the gathering, while reports and felicitation was done by Secretary General, NOA and VP, Athletics Federation of India, Abu Metha, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Commissioner and secretary of YRS, Wezope Kenye.

The programme was chaired by Kuputo Shohe, Joint Secretary NOA & Deputy Chef de Mission (37th National Games, Goa). 

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