Kohima, September 11 (MExN): Mhayibeni Gifty Jami has made history as the first Naga to represent India in the Intellectual Strategy Games at the VI World Nomad Games, held in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, from August 31 to September 6, 2026.
Competing in Toguz Korgool, Jami competed international opponents from Turkey, Morocco, Mongolia, USA, Sweden, Malaysia, Cabo Verde and Burundi.
She earned 27th-place individual finish and propelled Team India 17th place finish tied with Korea, among 133 athletes (67 men and 66 women) representing 48 countries.
The Intellectual Strategy Games category showcased traditional board games, including Toguz Korgool, Mangala, and Oware. The competition required strategic thinking, concentration, calculation, patience, precision, and effective decision-making.
Omar Mukhtar Tamboli, President AITWPF, stated that Jami’s landmark performance stands as a major milestone for her sporting career and for Nagaland, cementing her historic role as the first Naga athlete to represent India in the Intellectual Strategy Games at the World Nomad Games.
