The 15-day 28th edition of the Liangmai Sports Association, involving Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam, concluded today at Samziuram Village in Peren District, with Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang as the special guest.
Altogether, 90 teams from the three states participated in various disciplines during the event.
Speaking on the occasion, TR Zeliang urged the organisers to envision a strong and united Zeliangrong sports community capable of competing at the Northeast, national, and international levels. He said this dream is achievable but requires the collective responsibility of apex sports organisations like the Zeme Olympic Association, Liangmai Sports Association, and Rongmei Sports Association to form formidable teams that can participate in the I-League and other competitions.
TR Zeliang noted that Zeliangrong youths possess talent and potential in sports, as reflected in the community’s sports history. He added that participating in tournaments is not only about winning trophies but also about understanding one another better and fostering unity.
He called upon the Zeliangrong people to look beyond Zeme, Liangmai, and Rongmei as separate entities and embrace the larger unity of the Zeliangrong across Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland. “Our strength lies in our unity across boundaries, and sports can serve as a unifying force,” he stated.
TR Zeliang also emphasised that the Zeliangrong people share a common ancestor and history and assured the setting up of a Sports Academy for talented youths at Jalukie.
Samziuram Progressive Organisation (Nagaland) and Chiang Youth Organisation (Manipur) played a thrilling final football match, with SPO winning by penalty shootout.
