Kitenlo Thono and Nyia K Thono
“People expect you to win when you are a national medallist. You cannot decide whether you want to win or not, You have to go out and perform.”
Yarden Jamir
Diu | January 9
Nagaland celebrated a historic family double Friday as siblings Kitenlo Thono and Nyia K Thono both seized gold in Beach Pencak Silat at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026.
Nyia defended her title with a staggering 82–16 victory, the highest recorded score at this year's KIBG, while Kitenlo emerged champion in his division, adding gold to Nagaland’s tally. Their triumphs came as teammate Hatneinem Khongsai secured a silver medal in the women’s 50–55 kg category despite being hospitalised before her final, vowing to return stronger for gold.
‘Gold or nothing’
For Kitenlo, the victory was personal. “Last year, in the first edition of the Beach Games, we were a team of 12 and I was one of the only two who did not win a medal. Therefore, this time I had decided, it would be gold or nothing. I did not want to go home empty-handed,” he said.
Nyia said defending her title came with its own pressure. “People expect you to win when you are a national medallist. You cannot decide whether you want to win or not, you have to go out and perform. This gold means a lot to me. Last year I was also the gold medallist in my weight category, so I wanted to defend it.”
The siblings credited their success to the support they have received. “This gives us so many more opportunities,” Nyia said. “I really want to thank the Sports Authority of India and the Northeast Olympic team. They have opened doors for us. This gold means much more than just a medal.”
Kitenlo said the achievement was a proud moment for their family. “Two gold medals from one family is not just luck. I thank God for the strength and hard work He has given us. I also want to thank our coaches and Deep Kumar for giving us the opportunity to play here.”
Despite being siblings, the two said they do not train together as much as people assume. “Everyone thinks we practise together,” Nyia laughed. “But actually we don’t. We just annoy each other with different moves. But yes, we both practise a lot.”
The pair are still very young, Nyia is 20, turning 21 this year, while Kitenlo will be 24 on Friday and is already setting their sights on bigger goals. Kitenlo said he hopes to compete at the 2027 National Games in Meghalaya, the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and even the 2028 Olympic Games.
With their double gold in Diu, the Thono siblings have strengthened Nagaland’s medal count at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026.
‘Silver makes me more determined to win gold’
Nagaland Pencak Silat athlete Hatneinem Khongsai, who won a silver medal in the women’s 50–55 kg category at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026, said the disappointment of missing the final due to illness has only strengthened her resolve to return stronger.
Khongsai had reached the final, however was unable to fight for gold after being hospitalised with a high fever, compelling her to settle for silver without stepping onto the mat.
“When I realised I could not compete, all that was going through my mind was that I was giving away a free gold,” she said. “If I fight, I never give up, no matter what the result. Gold is always our goal.
We do not come here to win second place.”
Khongsai revealed that while the silver was guaranteed once she made the final, it was emotionally difficult to accept the result without competing. “I did not want to go back home empty-handed. Silver was sure, but last year also I won silver and this year again silver. It feels like fate is not working my way,” she said.
Despite being unwell, the Nagaland athlete said she was desperate to step onto the mat. “I wished I could just get out of bed and go and fight, but I could not,” she added.
Asked whether she felt she could have won gold if she had been fit, Khongsai responded with confidence. “I have to believe in myself. I cannot say what the result would have been, but I know I would have given my best.”
Having now won back-to-back silver medals at the Khelo India Beach Games, Khongsai said the experience has only sharpened her ambition. “Silver makes me more determined to win gold now,” she said.
To the question, if she would return to the Games next year, she answered, “Definitely, yes.”
The Pencak Silat athletes representing Nagaland includes Kitenlo K Thono, Jon, Vitope Sheqi, A Vipu Assumi, Hinokali, Nyia K Thono, Avikali V Sheqi, and Hatneinem Khongsai accompanied by team officials Deep Kumar, Kevin and Alice along with Technical Referee Liike Kibami. The team has conveyed their gratitude to Directorate of Youth Resources and Sports, Nagaland, Director Kethosituo Sekhose, NCS for all support.
The Khelo India Beach Games 2026 is being held at Ghoghla Beach in Diu, featuring over 2,100 athletes from across the country competing in beach and coastal sports.
