The Mokokchung District Junior Athletics Meet 2025 was held successfully at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on Saturday. Organised by the Mokokchung Athletics Association (MAA) under the aegis of the Nagaland Athletics Association (NAA), the one-day meet saw the participation of 63 young athletes who competed in three categories: Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 for both boys and girls.
Moalong Jamir, official observer from the Nagaland Athletics Association, arrived a day ahead of the meet to assist MAA in ensuring the competition was conducted smoothly and in line with NAA guidelines.
The opening ceremony was graced by Imlitoshi Walling, Treasurer of the Mokokchung District Sports Council (MDSC), who commended the organizers and the NAA for their efforts in promoting athletics in the district. He urged the participants to view sports as a serious career path, noting that it had become very difficult to secure a government job in the present day but that another opportunity lay in sports. He advised them not to take sports lightly, explaining that they would need to face tough competition and be the best of the best to excel at the state and national levels.
He added that those who gave their best would not only earn a career but also have the honour of representing their district, state, and even the country.
The competition for Under-14 athletes was held in triathlon format, featuring combinations of 60m sprint, long jump, high jump (scissor), back throw (1kg shot put), and 600m run. Each athlete could choose one triathlon set from three options. Under-16 and Under-18 categories had individual track and field events, including sprints ranging from 60m to 1000m, long jump, high jump (scissor), and shot put, with weights and distances according to age and gender.
Eligibility was strictly verified using Aadhaar. The age classifications were as follows: U-14 (born between 25/09/2011 – 24/09/2013), U-16 (born between 25/09/2009 – 24/09/2011) and U-18 (born between 25/09/2007 – 24/09/2009). U-16 and U-18 athletes were permitted to participate in only two events each, while U-14 athletes competed in one triathlon set.
The closing program was attended by Er Chutsusie Thowachu, Executive Engineer, Electrical Division Mokokchung, who distributed medals and certificates to winners. He praised the efforts of participants, organizers and officials for making the event a success. All the athletes received participation certificates as recognition of their involvement.
MAA announced that winners from the meet would be shortlisted to represent Mokokchung District at the 2nd Nagaland Junior Athletics Championship 2025 in Kohima on September 10. Travel allowances will be provided to selected athletes.
MAA President Rongsentoshi Jamir thanked all participants and parents for their support and urged the athletes to strive for excellence. A brief meeting between MAA and NAA official observer Moalong Jamir followed to discuss future strategies for strengthening athletics in the district.
