The Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) on June 23 marked Olympic Day 2026 with a large-scale tree plantation drive across the state, planting a total of 2,036 saplings in collaboration with the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) and affiliated associations. The initiative was also joined by individual sports bodies, including the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), which conducted a separate plantation programme in Kohima.
Under the global Olympic Day theme “Move, Inspire, Together,” the statewide drive was held in alignment with the Indian Olympic Association and the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Forest initiative, aiming to promote environmental sustainability alongside sports development.
The NOA stated that the plantation drive reflects its continued commitment not only to sporting excellence but also to environmental responsibility. “Through this initiative, the Association hopes to inspire citizens, especially the youth, to contribute towards preserving nature while upholding the spirit of the Olympic Movement,” it said, adding that the collective participation of sports associations, athletes, officials, volunteers and organisations was key to the success of the programme.
The association also expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved, stating that their efforts helped ensure the smooth execution of the state-wide drive.
In Kohima, the Nagaland Wrestling Association carried out a plantation drive at the Indira Gandhi Stadium premises under the aegis of the NOA. According to a statement issued by NWA Joint Secretary Kuzhovesa Soho, more than 60 saplings were planted by 16 participants, including officials and wrestlers.
The association resolved to take responsibility for protecting and nurturing the saplings until maturity. “Preservation of biodiversity and contribution towards reducing global warming is also the responsibility of sportspersons,” the NWA stated, urging all sports associations under NOA to ensure proper care of the planted saplings for future generations.
