The Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) organised a safeguarding in sports workshop for over 120 stakeholders at the Hokato Hotozhe Auditorium, NSPG 2026 Games Village, Chümoukedima, on Sunday, focusing on preventing harassment, abuse, discrimination and exploitation in sports.
Described by the NOA as one of the first initiatives of its kind in the region, the workshop brought together representatives of sports associations from across Nagaland, officials of the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, liaison officers, volunteers and personnel associated with the Nagaland State and Para Games 2026.
The programme was attended by Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India and Secretary General of NOA, who delivered the welcome address.
The resource persons were sports administrator and safeguarding advocate Neetal Narang, who has over 18 years of experience in sports administration, and Shailaja Rajan Raj, a human resources and organisational development consultant with over 25 years of professional experience.
Narang shared her experience in advancing safeguarding practices in Indian sports, including her involvement in major sporting events and representation of India at the Olympic Council of Asia’s Safeguarding Workshop in Bangkok in 2025.
Rajan Raj spoke on workplace safety, prevention of sexual harassment, emotional well-being, leadership and organisational management, highlighting the responsibility of institutions in creating safe environments.
The workshop focused on recognising safeguarding concerns, establishing reporting mechanisms, promoting responsible conduct and strengthening accountability within sports organisations. It also stressed the need to equip athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and administrators with the awareness to prevent misconduct and respond appropriately to complaints.
The initiative forms part of NOA’s efforts to promote athlete protection, inclusion and accountability across Nagaland’s sporting framework.
