The Mokokchung Athletics Association on September 11 organized a felicitation program at the District Sports Office to honor district athletes for their performances at the 2nd Nagaland Junior Athletics Championship held in Kohima.
Martoshi Jamir, Vice President of the Mokokchung District Sports Council (MDSC), presented certificates to the athletes, recognizing their achievements and efforts. Participants who competed in the championship were also acknowledged, and certificates were awarded to all. Parents of the athletes attended the program, lending support and encouragement to the young sportspersons.
In his address, Jamir urged the athletes to pursue sports with dedication and to explore the various career opportunities available in the field. “It is high time to take sports seriously,” he said, highlighting prospects not only for athletes but also for coaches, physiotherapists, sports journalists, managers, and those interested in establishing academies or training centers. He added that sports as a profession demands “sacrifice, dedication, perseverance, and consistency.”
Jamir also stressed the importance of long-term preparation, cautioning against last-minute intensive practice. “If you work out like fire for one week ahead of the tournament, it is not going to help in the long run. You will be exhausted when the day arrives,” he said. He advised athletes to remain humble in victory and focus on steady improvement.
During the program, the Association also acknowledged Imlinungba Kichu, who has been selected to represent Nagaland at the upcoming East Zone Junior Athletics Meet in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
The Association confirmed it would sponsor his travel expenses from Mokokchung to Dimapur, the training center, and back, and officials stated that Kichu would depart for Dimapur on Friday. The Association extended its best wishes, describing him as a source of pride for the district.
The 2nd Nagaland Junior Athletics Championships 2025 was conducted on 10 September at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, and was organized by the Nagaland Athletics Association. The competition was held to identify young talents in the state and to select athletes with promising performances to represent Nagaland in the forthcoming 36th East Zone Junior Athletics Championships 2025, scheduled to be held in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
A total of 92 athletes from the districts of Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, Mon, and Noklak participated in the championships. The competition was held for boys and girls in the age categories of Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18 years.