Nagaland wins seven medals at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in Chhattisgarh, finishing 12th overall among 25 states. Receive warm welcome in Dimapur.
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DIMAPUR — Nagaland clinched a total of seven medals—two gold, two silver, and three bronze—at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 held in Chhattisgarh from March 25 to April 3, securing the 12th position in the medal tally among 25 participating states.
The medal winners and athletes were accorded a warm welcome by the Nagaland Archery Association and the Nagaland Athletics Association at Dimapur Airport on Saturday.
Also read: Nagaland athletes secure medals at Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in Chhattisgarh
Nagaland secured four medals in archery, which include one gold, one silver, and two bronze, and also bagged the overall first runners-up trophy in the women’s team category.
The gold medal in the women’s recurve team event was won by Ruovinuo Theünuo, Vesevolu Swuro, and Kevikieno Rikha, while the women’s compound team comprising Lotsulu Sazo, Vetavolu Rhakho, and Rovine Domeh claimed the silver medal.
In individual events, Ruovinuo Theünuo secured a bronze medal in the women’s recurve category, while the recurve mixed team of Ruovinuo Theünuo and Keneisao Theünuo also bagged a bronze medal.
In athletics, Nagaland secured three medals, one gold, one silver, and one bronze. Wede T Mero clinched gold in the men’s 10,000 metres, Rüduolhounuo Rachel Belho won silver in the women’s 100 metres, and Tsuchoi T. secured bronze in the women’s 5,000 metres. A total of 10 athletes represented Nagaland in track and field events.
At the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, Karnataka emerged as the overall champions with 23 gold medals, followed by Odisha with 21 gold medals and Jharkhand with 16 gold medals, respectively, while the hosts, Chhattisgarh, finished ninth with a tally of three gold, 10 silver, and six bronze medals.
While interacting with media persons, team manager Medozhazo Rutsa stated that a contingent of 10 athletes and three support staff represented the state. He said that the event provided a great platform, particularly for tribal athletes. He noted that the team participated with a clear mindset: “Give your best, and God will do the rest,” which served as their guiding mantra.
Rutsa also highlighted a few narrow misses, stating that in two events Nagaland athletes came close to winning additional medals. In the 100-metre race, they missed out by just 200 milliseconds, while in the shot put event, the gap was only 10 centimetres. He expressed optimism that with another opportunity next year, the team would deliver even better results.
He further extended gratitude to the state government for its support, along with the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, the Nagaland Athletics Association, and the Nagaland Olympic Association. He acknowledged that the department remained actively involved throughout the event, with the Chief de Mission accompanying the team and officials consistently monitoring their progress.
On the preparedness of Naga athletes to compete at the national level, Rutsa asserted that they are ready, adding that the team already includes three athletes who have represented Nagaland at the senior national level.
However, he emphasised the need for improved infrastructure, stating that while development is underway, better grounds and tracks would significantly enhance performance. He also appealed to the government to introduce scholarships for upcoming athletes, noting that securing future career prospects would serve as a strong motivation for sportspersons to excel.
The coach of the Nagaland archery team, Chekrovolu Swuro, expressed happiness and encouragement over the team’s achievement.
She noted that this was the first edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games and expressed hope that the Nagaland government and the concerned department would continue to extend their support.
She informed that a total of 10 members, including eight archers and two officials, represented the state. Describing the experience as highly positive, she said the scale of the inaugural event exceeded her expectations, adding that the accommodation, food, and competition facilities were all impressive.
On the potential of the state’s archers, she remarked that after observing participants from various states, Naga archers stood out in terms of shooting form and timing. She expressed confidence in their abilities and stated her belief that an archer from the Naga community could one day win an Olympic medal.
She further highlighted that the state government is currently placing strong emphasis on sports development. She added that she had personally discussed plans and requirements with the chief minister, who assured continued support for sportspersons and committed to providing necessary facilities.