The first ever program under the aegis of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) started at Kohima on 16th November, 2021 with Chairman of the Technical Committee of the AFI, and President of the Telangana Athletics Association, Stanley Jones and Technical resource person from AFI, Shambudas from Kolkata as the resource persons.

In the inaugural function, Vice President of AFI, Abu Metha welcomed the resource persons and appreciated the AFI for the strategies for promoting and developing Athletics in Nagaland and the North East. He encouraged the Technical Officials to take full advantage of the programme and have the aspirations to officiate at the highest levels including national and international events. He highlighted upcoming events that will be held in Nagaland including the Nagaland Cross Country Championships, the Hornbill Cross Country, the 56th Nationals and the South Asian Championships.

Metha also stated that the AFI is of the view that there is an enormous talent bank in the North East and that it is taking up various initiatives and game plans to promote the sport in the region. He stated that it is the nation building duty of the AFI to create opportunities for the youth of the north east.   

Stanley Jones in his address gave assurance of the AFI to promote the sport in Nagaland and North East. He said that technical officials are the most important aspects of all national and international events and hoped that TOs from Nagaland will also reach the highest levels of the sport.

The workshop cum examination will be held for three days and will culminate with the Nagaland Cross Country Championships.

                                                                                                (DIPR)