Women’s Pencak Silat team open account for Nagaland at 37th National Games

DIMAPUR — After drawing a blank in the previous two editions, Nagaland on Saturday ended the medal draught by opening its account at the ongoing 37th National Games in Goa, after the state’s Pencak Silat team won a bronze medal in the women’s regu event.

The Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) took to social media to congratulate the women’s Pencak Silat team — Liike Kibami, Hinokali and Avikali V. Sheqi – for bringing laurels to the state by winning the medal. It also lauded Team Manager Kashito Kiba and Team Coach Deep Kumar for their able leadership.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also wrote on X: “Nagaland wins first medal at the 37th National Games, Goa. Congratulations to Nagaland women’s Pencak Silat team for winning Bronze Medal in the Women’s Regu category. Ms. Liike Kibami, Ms. Hinokali and Ms. Avikali V. Sheqi represented the State very well. I wish them more success.”

Nagaland wins first medal at the 37th National Games, Goa. Congratulations to Nagaland women's Pencak Silat team for winning Bronze Medal in the Women's Regu category. Ms. Liike Kibami, Ms. Hinokali & Ms. Avikali V. Sheqi represented the State very well. I wish them more success. pic.twitter.com/yGTXjZLf1v

— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) October 28, 2023

Nagaland has sent a 55-member contingent, including athletes and supporting staff, to the ongoing National Games. The state has qualified in seven sports disciplines — archery, boxing, sepak takraw, taekwondo, wrestling, pencak silat and yachting – at the country’s premium multi-disciplinary sporting event being held from October 25 to November 9.

More than 10,000 athletes from 28 states, eight Union Territories and Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) are competing across 43 sports, including indigenous sports like mallakhamb, kho kho and kabaddi, in the ongoing national sporting event.

Also read: National Games: 3 gold, a silver for Manipur gymnasts