Special Olympics Nagaland marks National Sports Day with inclusive celebration

DIMAPUR — Special Olympics Bharat–Nagaland (SON) celebrated National Sports Day on Friday at Turf Industrial ‘A’ Village, Dimapur, bringing together 95 participants, including 57 special athletes, 13 coaches and parents.

The celebration, held under the directive of SOB President Dr. Mallika Nanda, featured warm-up drills, relay races and penalty shoot-outs, filling the ground with enthusiasm and camaraderie.

Coaches encouraged athletes to embrace fitness, discipline and resilience as part of their sporting journey.

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In a message delivered on her behalf, SON Area Director Arenla Tzudir highlighted that India observes National Sports Day to honour hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand (1905–1979), whose three Olympic gold medals remain a symbol of national pride. She also paid tribute to Nagaland’s own sporting icons — Dr. T. Ao, India’s first football captain; Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Chekrovolü Swüro; Paralympic medalist Hokato Hotozhe Sema; as well as SON awardees Tiaba Tzudir and Temsutula Jamir, and teams that represented India at the Asia Pacific Games in Australia and the Global Unified FIFA Cup in Bangkok.

“The sporting legends of India and Nagaland, along with our Special Athletes, remind us that greatness is born from courage, perseverance and unity,” Tzudir stated.

She expressed gratitude to SON members and coaches for their voluntary service and contributions, which made the programme a success.

“Organised entirely through the selfless contributions of the SON members and coaches, the celebration reflected the heart of a community committed to empowering every athlete to dream bigger, aim higher, and shine brighter,” stated a press release.