63 athletes compete in Mokokchung District Junior Athletics Meet 2025

MOKOKCHUNG — The Mokokchung District Junior Athletics Meet 2025, organised by the Mokokchung Athletics Association (MAA) under the aegis of the Nagaland Athletics Association (NAA), was held at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on August 30.

The one-day event saw 63 young athletes compete across three categories—under-14, under-16, and under-18—in a bid to secure a spot in the upcoming state-level championship.

The meet, overseen by Moalong Jamir, an official observer from the NAA, featured boys and girls competing in various track and field events tailored to their age groups. Jamir, who arrived a day prior, worked closely with the MAA to ensure the event adhered to NAA guidelines.

Also read: Kohima District Football Association and Assam Rifles resolve differences

The under-14 category competed in triathlon formats, including combinations of 60m sprint, long jump, high jump (scissor), back throw (1kg shot put), and 600m run, with each athlete selecting one triathlon set.

The under-16 and under-18 categories participated in individual events such as sprints (60m to 1000m), long jump, high jump (scissor technique), and shot put, with age- and gender-specific weight specifications.

Imlitoshi Walling, treasurer of the Mokokchung District Sports Council (MDSC), attended the event, commending the NAA and MAA for their efforts in promoting athletics. Highlighting the competitive job market, Walling urged athletes to view sports as a viable career path.

Walling also highlighted the commercial potential of the sports industry, encouraging athletes to stay fit, build friendships, and aim to represent Nagaland at the national arena in Ranchi later this year.

Eligibility for the meet was strictly verified using Aadhaar, with age categories defined as under-14 (born between September 25, 2011, and September 24, 2013), under-16 (born between September 25, 2009, and September 24, 2011), and under-18 (born between September 25, 2007, and September 24, 2009). Under-16 and under-18 athletes were limited to two events each, while under-14 athletes competed in one triathlon set.

The closing ceremony was attended by Chutsusie Thowachu, executive engineer, Electrical Division Mokokchung. All 63 participants received certificates in recognition of their efforts.

MAA President Rongsentoshi Jamir, in his concluding address, lauded the athletes’ participation, noting that their commitment strengthens the young association despite its challenges. He urged the athletes to remember that while they had been known by their parents’ names until now, they should make their parents proud through their own achievements while also encouraging parental support to nurture future stars.

The MAA announced that winners from the meet will be shortlisted to represent Mokokchung at the 2nd Nagaland Junior Athletics Championship 2025 in Kohima on September 10, with selected athletes receiving travel allowances.

Post-event, the MAA held discussions with Moalong Jamir to explore strategies for strengthening the association, signalling a commitment to advancing athletics in the district.