Participants of the air rifle shooting competition during the 44th AKTM Sports Meet in Kobulong, Mokokchung on January 7.
Kobulong, January 7 (MExN): The 44th Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang (AKTM) Sports Meet commenced at Kobulong EAC headquarters under Mokokchung district on January 7.
Over 600 delegates from six units including Sungratsu, Mopungchuket, Chami, Kobulong, Longpa, and Longjang are participating in the three-day event.
Temsuwangshi Jamir, Assistant Manager, Research and Planning, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, the chief sports patron, inaugurated the event. In his inaugural address, Jamir said that sports go far beyond medals and victories they foster unity and peace among people. Throughout history, sports have brought communities together across linguistic and cultural divides, citing the ancient Olympic Games as a symbol of friendship and harmony, he noted.
“Winning isn’t everything; true sportsmanship lies in character, integrity, and respect for one’s opponent,” Jamir remarked.
Recalling the Naga footballer Dr Talimeren Ao, India’s first Olympic football captain in 1948, Jamir said that Ao’s legacy embodies the true spirit of sports, leadership, humility, and national pride.
Jamir also shared the story of his niece, Lenien Jamir, as an example of how sports can create opportunity. Her dedication to tennis led to national recognition and an athletic scholarship at Monmouth University in the USA, opening global academic pathways for a young athlete from Nagaland.
Encouraging the students, Jamir urged them to allow sports to shape their character and future. “Aspire not only to win,” he said, “but to serve your family, community, and nation.”
Addressing the gathering, Meyisanger Lemtur, Vice President, Nagaland Football Association, encouraged participants to choose one sport and dedicate themselves to it, in order to excel professionally.
This year’s sports meet is notable for the addition of Air Rifle Shooting, overseen by S Merang Jamir, an ISSF Judge, Coach, and Governing Body Member of the National Rifle Association of India, along with Chubatoshi from the Lady Bird Shooting Academy and other experts.
