Niathu Sports Festival 2025 concludes in Chümoukedima with record participation

DIMAPUR — The 8th edition of the Niathu Sports Festival concluded on Saturday at Zone Niathu by The Park, Chümoukedima, marking the end of the three-day sporting event held from October 9 to 11 across three venues.

The event, hosted by Neiphiu Rio, founding member and chief minister of Nagaland, featured Lt. Gen. AS Pendharkar, AVSM, YSM, GOC 3 Corps, as the guest of honour, while Ajay Kumar Bhalla, governor of Nagaland, attended as the special guest.

The event was also attended by deputy chief ministers Y Patton and TR Zeliang, along with other ministers and advisors of the Nagaland government.

Addressing the gathering, Bhalla emphasised that the festival was a celebration of youth, health, and unity. He highlighted that the event stood as a testament to what could be achieved when the community, institutions, and private enterprises work together.

He also commended the Niathu Group and the Niathu Privilege Club for their commitment to this corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, which has become one of Nagaland’s most anticipated sporting events.

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Over the years, the Niathu Sports Festival has drawn participants from across India, transforming Dimapur into a hub of athletic energy and cultural exchange. This year recorded the highest-ever participation, with athletes representing various states across the country, he said.

Reflecting on the deeper purpose of the festival, Bhalla said, “the medals are merely symbols. The true prize is the strength of character you have built. My call to every person here tonight is simple: become a citizen athlete. Take the passion and discipline you showed here and apply it to every arena of life.”

Presenting the tournament report, core committee member Khriemelie Metha informed that various sports disciplines were conducted by professionals from associations including the Naga Wrestling Association, Nagaland Pickleball Association, Dimapur District Basketball Association, Chümoukedima District Athletic Association, Chümoukedima District Badminton Association, Chümoukedima District Volleyball Association, Chümoukedima District Football Association, and the Chümoukedima District Sports Office.

He said a total of 87 members from different associations, 110 technical officials, and 48 game volunteers contributed to the smooth execution of the event. Altogether, 692 sportspersons from across the country participated, comprising 514 men and 166 women.

A total prize pool of INR 15 lakh was awarded across various disciplines, along with trophies and certificates for winners and runners-up. All participants received certificates of participation.

Furthermore, a special Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event under Tribe FC was hosted on the evening of October 10, featuring professional athletes from Punjab, Telangana, and across the Northeast. The event drew a sold-out crowd of over a thousand spectators at Zone Niathu by The Park, making it one of the festival’s standout highlights.

The festival concluded with the distribution of prizes to the winners across various categories.

Futsal: The United Brothers emerged as the champions of the futsal tournament, securing a cash prize of INR 60,000.

Volleyball: Team MADFA won the women’s volleyball category, receiving INR 50,000, while Team Kaji NajruL (Assam) clinched the men’s volleyball title and received INR 75,000.

Pickleball: In the Pickleball Men’s Doubles Open category, Nzamo and Imsuren emerged as champions, winning INR 45,000. In the Mixed Doubles Open category, Manaswinee and Vilasier claimed the title and earned INR 25,000. In the Men’s Doubles 40+ Open category, Kenei Miachieo and Kikrusetuo Sekhose were crowned champions and awarded INR 25,000.

Badminton: In the Men’s Doubles 80+ category, Tajenkaba Ao and Tongpangmeren Imsong emerged as champions. In the Boys’ Doubles Under-17 category, Chonvung Pochury and Heloka Swu won the title. In the Girls’ Singles Under-17 category, Kimkim Khongsai emerged as the champion. In the Girls’ Singles Under-15 category, Kimkim Khongsai again secured the championship. In the Boys’ Singles Under-15 category, Satemliba was crowned champion.

13K Niathu Run: In the Men’s category, Ajay Patel secured first place, followed by Sandeep Yadav (second), Kuldeep (third), N. Wangnao (fourth), and Shishpal Bhumra (fifth). In the Women’s category, Tsuchoi T claimed the first position, followed by Akanksha Singh (second), Songmo P (third), Makakmayum Minar (fourth), and Niansai (fifth).

Basketball: In the Men’s final of the Niathu Sports Festival 3x3 basketball, TMB (Nagaland) edged Diphu Titans (Assam) in overtime by a score of 17-16. Chumben Humtsoe from TMB, Kohima, was adjudged the Most Valuable Player. In the Women’s final, team ABC (B) from Kohima defeated SYM Ignite from Meghalaya 9-7 to emerge as the champions. Medosevino from team ABC (B) was awarded the Most Valuable Player.

Wrestling: In the Open category, Huluyi D Vadeo emerged as the winner, while Venu Vadeo finished as runner-up. In the Below 80 kg category, Seyiejalie Gwirie won the title, and Azhalhou Kire secured the runner-up position.