Officials along with the faculty and students during the Khelo India Samvaad 2026 held at Pranab College in Dimapur on August 27.
Our Correspondent
Kohima, August 27
Educational institutions across Nagaland organised Khelo India Samvaad – “Khel Ki Baat PM Modi Ke Saath” on August 27 to mark National Sports Day, bringing students and young people together to discuss sports, fitness, discipline, youth empowerment and nation-building.
Programmes were organised by the NSS units of Don Bosco College Kohima (DBCK), Mount Tiyi College Wokha, Jubilee Memorial College and MGM College, as well as Newman Higher Secondary School, Tobu, and Pranab College, in collaboration with MY Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
At DBCK, students witnessed the virtual address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and interacted with M Linshilo Yimchunger, silver medallist at the Nagaland Olympics 2024 and All India Inter-SAI Archery Tournament 2026, and Kezevituo Vizo, Football Coach, Khelo India Centre, Kohima. The discussion focused on sports infrastructure and challenges faced by aspiring athletes, with emphasis on improved facilities, resources and opportunities.
Students Vihezonuo Khezhie, Onghsen Phom and Müdovelü Keyho shared views on building civics-minded and future-ready youth, skills beyond the classroom and strengthening MY Bharat. Two DBCK athletes — Rüduolhounuo Rachel, who secured second position in the 100m at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, and Vichaduonuo Rame, second runner-up in the singles category at the Nagaland Open Table Tennis Championship 2025 — were felicitated. Students were also encouraged to register on the MY Bharat portal.
At Mount Tiyi College, Wokha, national badminton player Erenbeni P Lotha and MY Bharat volunteer Jandemo M Lotha participated in a moderated discussion on youth participation, sports, leadership and fitness. Special invitee Nzano P Lotha Kikon, Deputy Chairman, WTC, urged students to set goals, develop their talents and contribute to their communities. She said such programmes could help identify grassroots sporting talent and infrastructure gaps. A Yuva Samvaad followed, along with the Prime Minister’s virtual address and screening of a film on sports-related aspects of his Independence Day speech.
At Jubilee Memorial College, the programme included a National Sports Day film, the Prime Minister’s virtual address and an introduction to MY Bharat by volunteer AienAmri. Students were encouraged to participate in sports, fitness and nation-building activities.
MGM College hosted a Yuva Samvaad following the Prime Minister’s address, with students of MGM Higher Secondary School participating. Young Pencak Silat athlete Kevin shared his international sporting journey and spoke about dedication, discipline, perseverance and hard work. A MY Bharat representative also made a presentation on opportunities for youth through the platform.
At Newman Higher Secondary School, Tobu, NSS Programme Officer Joseph Leangen Konyak highlighted sports, fitness, discipline, teamwork and youth participation. Local sportsperson Joshua Swu encouraged students to develop sporting talents from an early age and make use of opportunities under initiatives such as Khelo India. Principal Rev Fr Kevishe Solomon said Naga youth possessed considerable sporting talent but urged students to remain focused and disciplined.
Pranab College also organised a district-level programme under the Khelo India and Khel Ki Baat, PM Ke Saath initiative in association with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, MY Bharat, Sports Authority of India and NSS. Following the Prime Minister’s virtual address, participants took the Nasha Mukt Viksit Bharat pledge and watched films on Major Dhyan Chand and the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address.
Council Secretary, Lhomthi Village, Anguka Swu, urged youth to approach sports with discipline and commitment. SAI representative Kechi briefed participants on available resources and opportunities, while fitness trainer, coach and bodybuilder Lily Hansu and aspiring sprinter Nise Monu Konyak shared their experiences of pursuing sports.
MY Bharat volunteers conducted a Yuva Samvad and District Youth Officer K Manikanta made a presentation on the platform and youth engagement opportunities.
The programmes concluded with calls for greater participation in sports and fitness and for youth to contribute to building a healthier, disciplined and developed India. National Sports Day is observed on August 29 to commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
