12 gold-medal bouts bring four-day boxing championship to a close
Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Friday announced a cash award of Rs. 25 lakh for Nagaland para-athlete Hokato Hotozhe Sema in recognition of his bronze medal achievement at the Asian Para Games 2026, as the four-day Nagaland State and Para Games (NSPG) 2026 concluded with a special award ceremony and the final bouts of the Inter-District Boxing Championship.
The Games, held from November 10 to 13 under the theme “Stronger Together”, brought together participants from all 17 districts across 14 disciplines, involving more than 1,600 people in their organisation and conduct.
Addressing the special award ceremony at Hokato Hotozhe Auditorium, Games Village, Chümoukedima, Rio congratulated the athletes and organisers, saying sports provided an important platform to identify talent and bring people together. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving sports infrastructure, engaging qualified coaches and providing facilities across districts.
Rio also congratulated the Department of Youth Resources and Sports for receiving the SKOCH Silver Award for its Grassroots Football Festival (Baby League), and the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) on receiving the Golden Beaver Award.
Chairman of IDAN and Adviser to the Chief Minister, Abu Metha, described the Games as the biggest sporting event in the State and acknowledged the contributions of sports associations, government departments and other stakeholders. He said the event had concluded without any major disruption and noted that several State records, particularly in athletics, had been set.
Metha also highlighted the inclusion of para-athletes for the third time and said the Nagaland Olympic Association had organised a seminar and workshop on safeguarding women and children in sports.
The Inter-District Boxing Championship, organised by the Nagaland Amateur Boxing Association under the aegis of the Nagaland Olympic Association, concluded at the 1st NAP Ground. Chümoukedima emerged overall champion, while Mon finished runners-up.
Veno Sapu of Kohima was adjudged Best Boxer in the women’s category, while Mhasivilie of Chümoukedima received the Best Boxer award in the men’s category. Geeta of Dimapur and Thungjanthung of Wokha were named the Most Promising Boxers in the women’s and men’s categories respectively.
The final day featured 12 gold-medal bouts, with boxers from Chümoukedima, Mon, Phek, Kohima and Zunheboto competing for top honours.
At the Para Games medal presentation, Piulinbou Pamei won gold in the Blind Men’s Shot Put and Odimongba in the Blind Men’s 100-metre race. Lanutola Jamir won gold and Khareimi silver in Deaf Women’s Arm Wrestling.
In boxing, Letminthang of Phek won gold in the men’s 69 kg Welterweight category, while Manchen of Mon claimed gold in the women’s 51 kg Flyweight category.
Director General of Police Rupin Sharma said Nagaland Police had provided security and logistical support for the smooth conduct of the Games, adding that sports promoted unity and mutual understanding among districts.
During the final day of the boxing championship, Rio also entered the ring to greet and encourage the finalists.
