A total of 80 athletes, including 15 girls, are competing in the Wushu Sanda championship under the Nagaland State and Para Games 2026, which began on Friday at the K. Kire IPS Indoor Badminton Stadium, Chümoukedima.
The competition has drawn participants from 12 districts: Kohima, Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Peren, Zunheboto, Mon, Tuensang, Shamator, Noklak, Mokokchung, Niuland and Phek. The championship will conclude on Saturday.
Speaking at the inaugural session, MLA and Advisor for CAWD and Nagaland Wushu Association president Kudecho Khamo urged the athletes to aim for national and international recognition, stressing the importance of discipline, perseverance and clear goals.
Describing Wushu as a relatively new sport in Nagaland, he said young people needed more opportunities to excel in sports. While acknowledging resource constraints, he said the government had increased its focus on sports promotion and assured that the association would extend available support to help athletes develop their potential.
Khamo also encouraged parents and guardians to continue supporting young athletes, saying their involvement was important for the growth of sports in the state.
The inaugural programme was chaired by NWA Joint Secretary Keviseno Kesizie. Pastor L. John of Konyak Baptist Fellowship, Diphupar B, offered the invocation, while Nongam CK presented a special presentation.