KOHIMA, August 5 (NEPS): Many Naga sportspersons have been excelling in various sports disciplines in the State, Regional and International levels. Many have been quietly excelling and bringing laurels for the State as well as country. Yet, they are still unsung heroes.
Although sports infrastructures are not in good shape in Nagaland, the Nagas have been still performing well in the various sporting arenas.
It is rare that Naga girls becoming National coaches in sports. But this is happening to one Puleno Neikha, who after excelling in the discipline of Sepaktakraw in the State, Regional and International levels, has finally become as Coach not only for the Nagaland Sepaktakraw Women Team in 2014 but also Indian Sepaktakraw Women Team in 2016.
Under her Coachship, Indian Sepaktakraw team had participated in five International Tournaments. Out of five, they could win in four tournaments. They won bronze medal in the 31st Kings Cup in Thailand in 2016, gold medal in 2nd South Asian Championship in 2017, bronze medal in the 13th International De France Cup in 2017 and Indian Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) World Cup in 2017 at Hyderabad.
Neikha, daughter of Eyongol Neikha, from Viswema Village, is presently undergoing special coaching in Bangkok, for the upcoming Asian Games 2018.
It may be mentioned that another two more players from Nagaland, Viseyie Koso (Havildar in Nagaland Police) and Jwensile Kesen (SSB) are also currently undergoing training for the upcoming Asian Games 2018 with Coach Neikha.
It is remarkable that Neikha, as a player, won over 35 medals including 3 International and 4 National Games, before taking the reign of the Indian Coach.
Some sportspersons expressed that her achievements in Sepaktakraw should be given due recognition to boost the morale of sports players and lovers in the State.
Hope, she will not remain as unsung hero.
