The Nagaland State & Para Games 2026 Special Award Ceremony was held at Hokato Hotozhe Auditorium, Games Village, Police Complex, Chümoukedima, on November 13, 2026, under the theme “Stronger Together”.

Addressing the gathering as the Special Guest, Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio congratulated the organisers, participating athletes and all those associated with the successful conduct of the Games. He said sports brought people together and provided an important platform to identify and encourage the sporting talents of Nagaland. He said that the State Government remained committed to promoting sports and providing better opportunities for the young people of the State.

The Chief Minister announced a cash award of Rs. 25 lakh from the State Government for Hokato Hotozhe Sema in recognition of his bronze medal achievement at the Asian Para Games 2026. He said the Government was committed to developing sports infrastructure, bringing in qualified coaches and providing necessary facilities across all districts to help young athletes improve their performance. He encouraged the participants to aim higher and represent not only Nagaland but also the region and the country at higher levels of competition.

Dr. Rio also congratulated the Department of Youth Resources and Sports for receiving the SKOCH Silver Award for its Grassroots Football Festival (Baby League). He also congratulated the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) on the Golden Beaver Award received by the Government of Nagaland in recognition of its contribution to arts, culture and music.

Director General of Police, Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, IPS in his address said the Nagaland Police had extended all possible assistance towards the smooth conduct of the Games. He stated that arrangements had been made to ensure the safety of athletes, officials and visitors, along with security and logistical support across the venues.

He said the Games were about more than a competition, as they brought people together and promoted unity and mutual understanding and expressed hope that the athletes would carry the spirit of friendship and camaraderie back to their respective districts. He also stated that the Nagaland Police remained committed to supporting and nurturing sporting talent and helping athletes reach the national and international levels.

Chairman, IDAN and Adviser to the Chief Minister, Secretary General, NOA, Abu Metha, thanked the Chief Minister for his vision, guidance and continued support, which he said had been instrumental in making the Games possible. He described the event as the biggest sporting event in the State, involving more than 1,600 people in its organisation and conduct, with participation from all 17 districts across 14 disciplines.

Metha said the Games had been conducted successfully without any major disruption or untoward incident and acknowledged the efforts of the various sports associations, departments, supporters and collaborators who contributed towards the event. He also informed that a software-based management system had been used for the Games and that several State records, particularly in athletics, had been set during the competitions.

He further highlighted the growing reach of the Games through social media, stating that the event had received significant online engagement, particularly on Instagram, with athletes themselves contributing to its wider visibility.

He informed that the Nagaland Olympic Association had conducted a seminar and workshop on safeguarding women and children in sports and noted that NOA was the first sports body in the country and the first State Olympic Association in Asia to organise such an initiative.

He also highlighted the inclusion of para-athletes in the Games for the third time, stating that sports should bring people together and provide equal opportunities for everyone. He expressed appreciation for Hokato Hotozhe Sema and his achievements, stating that his accomplishments had inspired young athletes to aim higher. He also explained that naming the auditorium after Sema was a gesture of recognition and would serve as an inspiration to athletes from across the State.

During the medal presentation ceremony, Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio presented medals to the winners in the Para Games and boxing categories. In the Para Games, Piulinbou Pamei won gold in the Blind Men's Shot Put, while Odimongba secured gold in the Blind Men's 100 Metre Race. In the Deaf Women's Arm Wrestling category, Lanutola Jamir won gold and Khareimi received silver.

In men's 69 kg Welterweight boxing, Letminthang from Phek won gold, Zuchamo from Chümoukedima secured silver, while Wochothung from Niuland and Martensu from Zunheboto received bronze medals. In women's 51 kg Flyweight, Manchen from Mon won gold, Sochano from Phek secured silver and Toingam from Kohima received bronze.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Kupoto Shohe, Joint Secretary, Nagaland Olympic Association.

(Samuel IA Chümoukedima)