Nagaland Police Central School 1st NAP emerges champion at the first Nagaland Police Inter-School Sports Festival 2026 held in Chümoukedima.
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DIMAPUR — The first Nagaland Police two-day Inter-School Sports Festival concluded at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium on Saturday, with Nagaland Police Central School, 1st NAP emerging as the overall champion, while Regimental School, 4th NAP secured the runners-up position.
Speaking on the occasion as guest of honour, Rupin Sharma, DGP Nagaland, said that this event may be the first of its kind, but it has been almost 60 years in the making, and he hoped in the future they can have a more organised system where all schools compete together at the same level.
He added that participation is more important than winning, and through this competition, students learn that there is always someone better, and that motivates them to improve.
He mentioned that about three years ago, when he took charge as DGP, they took a decision to improve the condition of their police schools and added that they collected data and realised that the major issue was lack of funds and a unified system.
Earlier, schools were run individually without a proper structure, so they registered a society to streamline management and seek funding from companies, donors, and the government.
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1st Nagaland Police inter-school sports festival begins in Chümoukedima
As a result, they received sponsorship and 50 computers and laptops, with more expected soon, and added that they also began advertising teaching posts, and qualified candidates with M.Ed and B.Ed degrees applied, improving the quality of education. Recently, principals were also interviewed to ensure better leadership and accountability.
He also appreciated the Chief Minister of Nagaland and the State Education Department for supporting their unit schools and added that their schools are mainly run through small monthly contributions of INR 20 from each police personnel, along with tuition fees, so funds are limited.
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He added that to ease the burden on families, they introduced a common school uniform and standardised books across all police schools, especially to help those who are transferred frequently, and added that next year they aim to add more disciplines and improve further.
Speaking on the occasion as the special guest, Abu Metha, Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), said that today they have reached the state-level championship to participate in this inter-school tournament, stating that each participant is already a winner for representing their schools and districts.
While noting that Nagaland’s first school was established decades ago and that the state has over 60 years of history, he described it as ironic that such a sports meet was being held for the first time only now, calling it a moment to celebrate progress and look ahead.
He also lauded the DGP for his progressive leadership and transparency, particularly his positive use of social media to promote good governance. He also acknowledged the contributions of his wife for her behind-the-scenes efforts in strengthening the police schools.
He encouraged students to draw inspiration from achievers such as Dr. Talimeren Ao, India’s first Olympic football captain from Nagaland; Chekrovolu Swuro, an Olympian and Arjuna Awardee in archery; and Hokato Sema, a Paralympic medallist who overcame the loss of a leg to achieve international success.
He stressed that despite limited facilities in their time, their hard work and determination brought glory to the state and nation and urged students to strive for excellence in sports, academics, arts, and other fields.
He reminded students that many people work behind the scenes to ensure their education and urged them to repay those efforts through hard work and success.
He further called on the public to recognise the sacrifices and service of the Nagaland Police, describing them as the first responders during crises and a pillar of support for society.
He pledged his support to explore CSR initiatives and collaborative efforts to strengthen the schools and create better opportunities, emphasising that success comes only through hard work and perseverance.
At the sports festival, a total of 15 schools from 10 districts competed across nine disciplines.