Zhaleo Rio says Nagaland has abundant sporting talent as ANPSA Dimapur hosts table tennis and U-14 Sepaktakraw competitions
DIMAPUR — The two-day ANPSA Dimapur District Table Tennis Competition and Catch Them Young U-14 Sepaktakraw Tournament 2026 got underway on Friday at Grace Academy, United North Block, Burma Camp, Dimapur.
Organised by the All Nagaland Private Schools’ Association (ANPSA), Dimapur, in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, the event has drawn around 147 students from 14 schools.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony as chief guest, Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Zhaleo Rio lauded the initiative for providing young athletes with a platform to develop their sporting potential.
He said Nagaland had no shortage of sporting talent and possessed immense potential across various disciplines. However, he observed that Naga sportspersons had for a long time participated in competitions merely for the sake of participation.
“Today things are changing as the state government is giving serious importance to sports, not merely as a means of physical fitness or recreation, but as a profession and career opportunity for the youth,” he said.
Also Read: Dimapur District Football League 2026 to kick off on September 15
Zhaleo appreciated the role played by private schools and educational institutions in producing talented sportspersons, noting that Nagaland had produced several national-level players who had earned recognition across the country.
Addressing concerns that pursuing sports could affect academic performance, he said students could excel in both academics and sports through proper time management.
With the government, sports associations and other organisations providing increasing opportunities, Zhaleo urged students to make productive use of their free time and stay away from antisocial activities and other negative influences.
Highlighting Nagaland’s achievements in Sepaktakraw, Zhaleo said the state had produced more than 20 national and international players. He also referred to the recent selection of two players and two coaches from Nagaland for India’s Sepaktakraw contingent at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Quoting the saying that “99 per cent is perspiration and one per cent is luck”, he urged the young athletes to remain committed to their goals and work hard to achieve success.
Dedicated stadium
Speaking as special guest, Nagaland Sepaktakraw Association president Ruokuo Kire said Sepaktakraw had been nurtured in Nagaland for the past 25 years and athletes from the state had achieved considerable success despite the lack of a dedicated stadium.
He said Nagaland’s women’s Sepaktakraw team was currently ranked among the top two in the country, while the men’s team was among the top 10. The state had also produced several national and international medal winners, he said.
While thanking the Department of Youth Resources and Sports and the state government for their support, Kire appealed for a national-standard indoor stadium dedicated to Sepaktakraw, saying better facilities would help athletes train and compete more effectively.