Mongsen Longkumer along with others during the reception programme held at Mopongchuket in Mokokchung on February 13.
Urges youth to nurture talent with focus
Mopungchuket, February 13 (MExN): The Mopungchuket Village Sports Federation (MVSF) accorded a warm reception and felicitated athlete Mongsen Longkumer for his gold medal-winning performance at the WAKO India Open International Kickboxing Cup 2026.
The 52-year-old Longkumer, a resident of Mopungchuket village, clinched the top prize for India at the international event, held from February 4 to 8 at the K D Jadhav Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. In his honour, MVSF organised a felicitation programme at the MSM Conference Hall on February 13. Longkumer was received at the village gate, where villagers dedicated a victory song led by Guru S. Pangyang Ozukum.
Competing in the Veterans category (41–52 years) under the 74–84 kg division, Mongsen, weighing 75 kg, fought on February 7. He advanced to the final after defeating Salah Fathi Mohamed Azzazi of Egypt in the semi-final and overcame a strong opponent from West Bengal in the final to win the gold medal.
Speaking at the event, Mongsen expressed gratitude to MVSF and the Mopungchuket Village Council for the warm reception, humbly stating he did not feel worthy of the honour. Sharing his experience of competing internationally for the first time, he said hosting the tournament in India allowed athletes from the Northeast to participate, which would have been difficult if held abroad. He credited his victories to the prayers and support of the community.
Reflecting on his journey, Mongsen said he has loved sports since childhood, continued training with passion and discipline, and urged youth to nurture their talents with focus. He noted that competing at national and international levels becomes more challenging with age and emphasised the importance of staying away from distractions such as intoxicants.
Brief words of appreciation were delivered by Akumyanger, General Secretary, MVSF; Nukshitemjen, General Secretary, Mopungchuket Senso Mungdang; and Imyumeren Jamir, Tatar.
Rongsentoshi Jamir, President of the Mokokchung District Martial Arts Association (MDMAA), congratulated Mongsen and highlighted the formation of MDMAA in 1991. He also suggested ways in which villages and sports bodies like MVSF could further support athletes in the future. Representatives from MDMAA were present at the felicitation.
Earlier on the same day, MDMAA received Mongsen Longkumer upon his arrival in Mokokchung and organised a felicitation at the residence of the MDMAA Treasurer. Both Longkumer and semi-finalist Riaj were honoured for representing India at the international tournament.
