Our Correspondent
Dimapur, Dec. 30 (EMN): A total of 32 athletes comprising 16 male and 16 female from Nagaland will be competing in the much anticipated 56th National Cross Country Championships, hosted by Nagaland in Kohima on Jan. 15, 2022.
Asabo Joseph, athletic coach of Nagaland Police and Awala Walling, state athletic coach have been detailed to train the runners from the state.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror, Joseph informed that it has been two weeks since they were conducting morning and evening training sessions for the contingent.
He informed that they would continue their practices regularly and not skip it even on New Year's Day since they were already in the competition period, and that there was a shortage of time for their preparation.
'For the training load, we are giving heavy exercise in the morning and light evening exercises', he said.
He also shared that they had advised their athletes to maintain proper food habits. He stated that they conduct their training in places like IG Stadium, Kohima Science College, Raj Bhavan area and on the streets in the state capital.
Meanwhile, the instructor informed that despite coaching being underway, there are shortages of runners as some are taking part in their village sports meet and other programmes. He expressed hope that they would join after the New Year’s celebrations.
Joseph opined that Nagas have potential to excel in cross country running, adding that focus is being given to the sport this time in Nagaland.
Representing the state, six male runners have been selected to compete in the men's division while an equal number of females will vie for the women's division against their counterparts under the senior category (10 km).
An equal number of men and women competitors have also been selected to compete in the under-20 category (8 km) for both the divisions.
Eight participants consisting of two runners each would also compete with others from their respective divisions in the under-18 (6 km) as well as under-16 categories (2 km).
It may be mentioned that the forthcoming National Cross Country Championships is being organised by Nagaland Athletics Association under the aegis of Athletics Federation of India (AFI) along with the South Asian Cross Country Championships in January.