First-ever International athletics event hosted by Nagaland
Kohima, February 15 (MTNews): As decided by the South Asian Athletic Federation (SAAF) and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), in consultation with the Government of Nagaland, the rescheduled date for the South Asian Cross Country Championships and the 56th National Cross Country Championships, will be held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on 26th March, 2022. This was stated in a press release issued by the Nagaland Athletics Association today.
South Asian countries, under the banner of SAAF, have confirmed participation of their respective athletes and officials. All affiliated units and associations of the Athletics Federation of India have also confirmed participation in the event. Nagaland Athletics will conduct State Trials for selection of the athletes for the State Level Coaching Camp, after which the Nagaland team will be selected. Technical Officials from the AFI and the SAAF, in collaboration with the Technical Officials from Nagaland, will conduct the event under the aegis of the AFI and the SAFF.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Athletics Association has extended its appreciation to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the State Government for extending all possible support for conduct of this international event in Nagaland. It also extended its appreciation to the AFI and the SAFF, particularly SAAF President, Dr. Lalit. K. Bhanot, for extending support to the athletics fraternity of Nagaland and the North East, and for allocation of this important event to Nagaland as the Host State.
Nagaland Athletics Association has appealed to all sections of the people to come forward, and not only extend support and solidarity to the event, but also to participate and encourage the sports fraternity with the understanding that Nagaland is hosting the international event on behalf of the country. “We believe that with the support and cooperation of all sections, Nagaland is prepared to host the championships in an exemplary manner, do the nation proud, and make contributions towards the nation building process,” the press release added.