The Nagaland Pickleball Association felicitated its players for securing 11 medals, including eight gold, at the Kolkata Open ranking tournament.
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DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Pickleball Association felicitated the state’s medal winners who clinched 11 medals, including eight gold and three silver, at the Kolkata Open 2026, eastern India’s first PWR400 Ranking Tournament, at the Heirloom Naga Centre in Sovima on Saturday.
Speaking at the felicitation programme, Minister of Rural Development and SIRD Metsubo Jamir congratulated the Nagaland pickleball players for winning the medals against strong competition, stating that the achievement reflected their dedication and competitive spirit.
Jamir said the success of the players showed how support from parents helps the youth excel in different fields. He expressed confidence that pickleball, which is currently concentrated in Dimapur and Kohima, would soon spread across Nagaland through the efforts of the players and the association.
Also read: Nagaland Pickleball Association bags 11 medals at Kolkata Open 2026
He also lauded the association for promoting the sport without depending heavily on government support, calling it an example of how Naga youth could achieve success through determination and initiative.
Jamir further said that sports today have evolved beyond recreation and now play an important role in discipline, character building, and social development. He noted that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, is giving special attention to youth development, sports infrastructure, and facilities.
Encouraging young people to pursue their aptitude and interests, he said society should value both academic and sporting achievements equally and work together towards building a better Nagaland.
Also speaking at the programme, MLA and Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports Keoshu Yimkhiung noted that although pickleball was introduced globally more than 60 years ago, the sport was introduced in Nagaland only last year. Despite this, Nagaland players have already achieved remarkable success at the national level, proving the immense potential of Naga youth in emerging sports.
Keoshu said the rapid growth of pickleball in the state is encouraging and demonstrates that Nagaland could become part of the sport’s development from the beginning.
He stated that sports should not be viewed merely as recreation but as a pathway for discipline, fitness, youth empowerment, and career opportunities.
Encouraging young athletes to take sports seriously, he said dedication and success in competitions would help the state secure better infrastructure and greater support from the ministry. He also described the felicitation as both a recognition of achievement and a responsibility to inspire more aspiring athletes across Nagaland.
Delivering the concluding remarks, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN Abu Metha said that he was confident Nagaland would perform well at the Kolkata Open after witnessing the talent, dedication, and commitment of the players.
Metha noted that the Kolkata Open featured some of India’s top pickleball players and said the Nagaland team’s success against experienced national-level competitors highlighted the immense potential of Naga youth in the sport.
He further said sports are helping change the narrative of Nagaland despite challenges such as poor infrastructure, limited resources, and a lack of exposure. Citing the achievements of renowned Naga sportspersons like Talimeren Ao, Hokato Hotozhe Sema, and Chekrovolu Swuro, he said success in sports comes through hard work, discipline, and determination rather than facilities alone.
Metha stated that the present team is laying the foundation for future generations of pickleball players in the state and expressed confidence that Nagaland athletes would one day represent the country at international tournaments.
At the event, the welcome address was delivered by Nagaland Pickleball Association President Nathan Zeliang, while the word of appreciation was delivered by Kuchi Rangkau Zeliang. Players’ experiences were shared by Vilasier Khate, who was the player of the tournament, and Lentina Longkumer, a gold medallist at the tournament.