Participants during the ‘Olympic Day Run’ under the aegis of Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on June 25. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 25
Nagaland today joined the global sports fraternity on the occasion of Olympic Day by conducting running races in various categories billed as ‘Olympic Day Run’ under the aegis of Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Top five winners in each category received Rs 7000 (1st), Rs 5000 (2nd), Rs 3000 (3rd), Rs 2000 (4th) and Rs 1000 (5th) each along with medal and certificate.
Medals and certificates have also been awarded to the category of 600 meters for officials and invited dignitaries.
NOA President and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated that the citizens of Nagaland today joined the global community in commemorating the Olympic Day with Olympic Day Run, wherein many citizens from all walks of life participated to celebrate the Olympic spirit and “be a part of the strongest force-Sports.”
“Over the past years, the Olympic Day has developed into much more than a run or just a sports event. Based on the pillars of “Move, Learn, Discover- Together for a Better World,” the Olympic Committees around the world deploy sports, cultural and educational activities aimed at everybody regardless of age, gender, social background or sporting ability,” stated Rio in his message read out at the function by Nagaland’s rural development minister Metsubo Jamir.
The first Olympic Day was celebrated in 1948. On this occasion, the International Olympic Committee conveyed a message to the young people of the world to celebrate the ideals of the Olympic movement and promote the cause of sport.
Rio stated that many countries have incorporated the event into the school curriculum and, in the recent years, many Olympic committees have added concerts and exhibitions to the celebration.
“Olympic Day activities also include meetings for children and young people with top athletes and the development of new websites directing people to programmes in their neighborhood. This makes it easier for everybody to become part of Olympic Day,” Rio stated in his message.
This year Olympic Day theme “Together for a Peaceful World” focused sustainability, inclusion, solidarity and peace, aimed at bringing people together to contribute to a better world though sports.
Nagaland Olympics 2022 in August
CM Neiphiu Rio stated that the next edition of the Nagaland Olympics will be held in August 2022.
Every districts of the state, including the newly inaugurated districts, will participate in various sports disciplines under the banner of NOA.
For the first time, Nagaland will be introducing selected Paralympic event, making it the Nagaland Olympic & Paralympic Games 22.
Rio stated that Nagaland team for the North East Olympics will be determined from the result of these games.
Rio stated that thousands of athletes and officials will converge for these games bringing the youth of Nagaland under one common goal of striving for excellence,” Rio stated
Nagaland can only be stronger if we are together. Let us use the power of sport to strengthen our bonds of unity. Let us celebrate the energy and talents of our youth,” Rio added.
Earlier, introductory remark was given by NOA secretary general Abu Metha.
The officials who assisted as “Starter” of the different categories of race includes; Nagaland Youth Resources & Sports, Secretary, Wezope Kenye, Nagaland Youth Resources & Sports, Director Akumla Chuba, Task Force for Music & Arts, Advisor Theja Meru, NOA, Joint Secretary Kuputo Shohe, Nagaland Table Tennis Association, President Sweliil Pucho, Nagaland Hockey Association, General Secretary Viphrezo Zao, Nagaland Kho Kho Association, President Victor Vikehielie, NOA, Treasurer Neiyalie Angami, Youth Resources & Sports, Additional Director Megolhou Dolie, Nagaland Handball Association, General Secretary Ashok Thapa, Nagaland Wrestling Association, President Dr Hiabe Zeliang and Nagaland Sepaktakraw Association, general secretary Holshe Khrieo.
Bithongo Kikon and Neingulie Nakhro compered the four hour long programme.
Winners of Olympic Day Run
800 Meters Veterans (Male): 1st- L. Muthia Khiamniungan (Tuensang), 2nd- Clement Beck (Dimapur), 3rd- Azo Rupreo (Kohima), 4th – Bithungo Kikon (Dimapur)
800 Meters Veterans (Female): 1st- Wechete-u Kapfo (Kohima)
400 Meters (Under 12 years) Girls: 1st- Kevileno (Dimapur, 2nd- Rukusenu Pucho (Kohima), 3rd- Akruti Rai (Chümoukedima), 4th- Meyonu Pucho (Kohima), 5th- Beatrice Pongen (Chümoukedima)
400 Meters (Under 12 years) Boys: 1st- Mughaka Aye (Chümoukedima), 2nd- Tohanba (Kohima), 3rd- Keheiyitu (Peren), 4th- Augustine Topnu (Kohima), 5th- Kinoto K. Zhimomi (Chümoukedima)
800 Meters (Under 14) Boys: 1st- Wathotsia Poji (Kohima), 2nd- Thejanguzo Pfukha (Kohima, 3rd- Mulekho Sapu (Phek), 4th- Bhoomi Raj Brahma (Dimapur), 5th- Kumghato Zhimo (Dimapur)
800 Meters (Under 14) Girls: 1st- Neshemonyue ( Dimapur), 2nd- Mehrim Beck (Dimapur), 3rd- Vesenelii Khamo (Phek), 4th- Abikali Shohe (Zunheboto), 5th- Lipivi Anami (Chümoukedima)
800 meters (Under 16 years) Boys: 1st- Vephuzo Sekhamo (Phek), 2nd- Pauku Meru (Peren), 3rd- S.Rito (Kohima), 4th- Nikhuyi Yepthomi (Dimapur), 5th- Kekuosetuo Samuel Rutsa (Kohima).
800 meters (Under 16 years) Girls: 1st- Imtisangla Kangshou (Kohima), 2nd- Khrotshou Tsuhah (Phek), 3rd- Jemie Y (Dimapur), 4th- Nini Zhiinyii (Kohima), 5th- Diezelhounuo Meru (Kohima)
1500 meters (Open Category) Men: 1st- Tsole Yhokha (Kohima), 2nd- Cuvoto Medeo (Phek), 3rd- M. Nokching Chang (Tuensang), 4th- Wede T. Mero (Phek), 5th- Hempao Khiam (Noklak)
1500 meters (Open Category) Women: 1st- Tsuchoi T, 2nd- Songmo P, 3rd- Peiheiteile Esalung, 4th- Niansai T, 5th- H. Wangnya Konyak (All from Dimapur)
600 meters (Officials and invited dignitaries) Men: 1st- Nangshiba, 2nd- Theja Meru, 3rd- Neingulie Nakhro, 4th- Hito Swu, 5th- Ketseiu Talie
600 meters (Officials and invited dignitaries) Women: 1st- Loreni Tsanglao
