A total of 63 young athletes participated at the Mokokchung District Junior Athletics Meet 2025 held at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on August 30. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | August 30
The Mokokchung District Junior Athletics Meet 2025 was held today at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, organised by the Mokokchung Athletics Association (MAA) under the aegis of the Nagaland Athletics Association (NAA). A total of 63 athletes competed across three categories — Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18.
The opening ceremony was graced by Imlitoshi Walling, Treasurer of the Mokokchung District Sports Council (MDSC). In his address, he commended the efforts of the organisers and highlighted the growing opportunities in sports as a career. “It is very difficult to get a government job today, but another opportunity lies in sports. Do not take sports lightly — you need to face tough competition and be the best of the best to excel at the state and national levels,” he said, encouraging athletes to remain disciplined and fit. He further expressed hope that some participants would go on to represent Nagaland at the national championship in Ranchi later this year.
The day-long competition featured triathlon events for the Under-14 category, combining sprints, jumps, throws, and middle-distance runs. Athletes in the Under-16 and Under-18 groups competed in individual track and field events, including sprints up to 1000m, long jump, high jump (scissor), and shot put, with specifications adjusted according to age and gender.
NAA official observer Moalong Jamir attended the event, arriving a day earlier to assist the organisers and ensure that the meet adhered to NAA guidelines, the organisers informed.
Eligibility was verified through Aadhaar, with athletes restricted to their respective categories. U-14 participants were limited to one triathlon set, while U-16 and U-18 athletes could compete in two events each.
The closing ceremony was attended by Er. Chutsusie Thowachu, Executive Engineer, Electrical Division Mokokchung, who presented medals and certificates to winners and lauded the collective efforts behind the successful conduct of the meet. Certificates of participation were also awarded to all 63 athletes.
According to MAA, winners from the district meet will be shortlisted to represent Mokokchung at the 2nd Nagaland Junior Athletics Championship 2025, scheduled for September 10 in Kohima. Selected athletes will receive travel allowance for the state-level competition.
In his concluding remarks, MAA President Rongsentoshi Jamir expressed gratitude to the athletes, noting that their participation strengthens the young Association. He urged them to dedicate themselves and make their parents proud through achievements in sports, while encouraging parents to support their children in pursuing athletics.
