The State Level Half Marathon was held at Kohima on 5th October 2026, organized by the 78 Battalion, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) (Sechü-Zubza) in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Government of Nagaland at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima under the banner ‘SPANDAN’.
Director General of Police Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, IPS who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest called the event a unique occasion as 3,000 runners across the state participated in the event in three different categories for both male and females, and setting the best timing about one hour seven minutes. Rupin expressed hope that the winners will continue to participate in such events and appealed the Sports Authority to select the best talents for participation in the long distance and middle-distance running. He also hoped that the best participants of the event will be sponsored and selected by the Sports Authority for better training and coaching to participate in the international level runners. The DGP was optimistic that such event will become a regular feature to create a good platform for the youths of the state.
Delivering his welcoming address, Commandant 78 Bn CRPF, Deven Bhosle briefed about the word SPANDAN (Sports for Peace and Development Across Nations) is a ‘Hello India Scheme’ initiative by the Sports Authority of India to provide financial and technical assistance to the Central Armed Police Forces, like the CRPF and BSF to promote peace, physical fitness, foster national integration, youth engagement and strengthening social harmony through community sports in the border and conflict-affected regions. The core objective of the SPANDAN was to foster social harmony, organise grassroots sports culture and youth development encompassing multiple regional disciplines that includes football, badminton and volleyball, alongside half marathons, he added.
He therefore asserted that the Half Marathon event is far more than just a race for medals or a taste of physical endurance, but a collective stride towards building a healthier, united society that represents the shared commitment to fostering community harmony, empowering the youth, and voicing a strong collective stance for peace and national integration. He said that every step taken today is a testament to the resilience, greed and true sportsmanship that defines the spirit of Nagaland and also reminded the participants that in the true spirit of sportsmanship, their active participation and determination are already victorious in themselves.
A total of 3000 runners from across the state participated in the event in three different age group categories, and a cash prize of ₹30,000, ₹20,000, ₹15,000, and ₹10,000 respectively, and ₹5,000 each for runners up placed from 5th to 10th position were awarded to the winners and runners up along with medals.
In the Male 1st category (ages 18 to below 30 years) the winners were - Shiangjiu, Elanthung and Temjensanem respectively, while in the female 1st category Female (ages 18 to below 30 years) the winners were - Songmo, Chongso, and Tsumian respectively.
In the Male 2nd Category (ages 30 to below 45 years) the winners were - Jonathan Yezenthung and Banglo Konyak respectively, while in the Female 2nd Category (ages 30 to below 45 years) the winners were - Cekrotalu, Sentinaro and Tiapenla Amer.
In the Male 3rd category (above 45 years) the winners were - N. Pichong, Shipemo and W.R Joseph respectively, while in the Female 3rd category (above 45 years) the winners were - T. Roslyn Lotha, Vilhousieno and Mezo Nenio respectively.
(Maongtemjen, IA)
