Dimapur, August 29 (MExN): The Special Olympics Bharat–Nagaland (SON) celebrated National Sports Day 2025 with pride and unity on August 29 at Turf Industrial A Village, Dimapur. The programme, held at 8:00 AM, brought together 95 participants, including 57 special athletes, 13 coaches and parents, in what was described as a spirited celebration of inclusion and sportsmanship.
The event was organised under the directive of Special Olympics Bharat President, Dr. Mallika Nanda. In a message delivered on her behalf, SON Area Director, Arenla Tzudir, reminded that India observes National Sports Day to honour Major Dhyan Chand (1905–1979), the legendary “Hockey Wizard” who won three Olympic gold medals for the nation. She further noted that Nagaland too takes pride in its own sporting heroes whose achievements have placed the state on the global sporting map.
The celebration fondly recalled Dr. T. Ao, India’s first football captain; Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Chekrovolü Swüro; Hokato Hotozhe Sema, Nagaland’s first Paralympic medalist; and SON’s own awardees — Tiaba Tzudir, first National Award recipient, and Temsutula Jamir, second National Award recipient. Also remembered were the pioneering SON teams who represented India at the Asia Pacific Games in Australia and the Global Unified FIFA Cup in Bangkok.
The programme began with warm-up drills, relay races and penalty shoot-outs, which filled the ground with determination and cheer. Coaches encouraged athletes to embrace fitness, discipline and resilience as a way of life, reminding them that “true victory is found not only in medals but in courage, teamwork, and self-belief.”
Entirely organised through the voluntary contributions of SON members and coaches, the celebration reflected the commitment of the community to empower athletes to dream bigger and achieve greater heights.
Expressing gratitude, Arenla Tzudir said: “National pride sports legends of India and from Nagaland—both mainstream legends and our Special Athletes, remind us that greatness is born from courage, perseverance, and unity. With continued support from our community, SOB (National Office) and well-wishers, SON will nurture more champions who will not only bring glory to Nagaland and India but also inspire the world with their stories of resilience and hope.”
She further extended heartfelt thanks to SON members and coaches for their voluntary service and contributions which, she noted, had made the programme a grand success.
