MON, AUGUST 29 (MExN): Mon district on Friday observed National Sports Day 2025 at the Officers’ Club to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
Addressing the programme, Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak congratulated the Mon District Football Association (MDFA) for winning the recently concluded Dr T. Ao Trophy at IG Stadium, Kohima. She informed that India is aspiring to host the 2036 Olympics and that the Prime Minister envisages making the country a “sports powerhouse.”
Konyak underlined that sports not only ensure physical fitness but also offer opportunities for livelihoods. She urged parents and civil society organisations to treat sports not merely as an extracurricular activity but as a main discipline deserving due recognition. “If sports is encouraged well, it will leave a great avenue for the next generation,” she said, calling for collective responsibility to nurture young talent.
She further encouraged youths to participate in government initiatives such as Sansad Khel Mahotsav, which provides a platform for registration, trials and advanced training. Konyak also declared open the One-Day Open Badminton Doubles Tournament at the Officers’ Club, which formed part of the celebration, and later distributed prizes to the winners.
Earlier, Ajit Kumar, IAS, SDO (C) Mon, in his welcome address said Nagaland’s sporting culture was evident in the MDFA’s recent success, adding that the State should aim for national and international recognition.
Pakon Phom, ADC Mon, said the initiative to observe the day was the “brainchild” of Konyak, who had sponsored the event.
The programme was chaired by Er R. Mhao Humtsoe, NCS, EAC Mon HQ. Rev Yeangphong, District Chaplain, invoked God’s blessing while Chingom Konyak presented a special song and Rokozo Rurhia led the pledge-taking. Short speeches were delivered by Ponglem, President KNSK, and Y. Pongba, President MDBA, while Thanyalo, SDO (Power) Mon, proposed the vote of thanks.
