Nagaland has, in recent years, shown promising growth in the field of games and sports. From the capital city of Kohima to the bustling plains of Dimapur and all the places in between, the state is slowly building a sports identity to be proud of. The emergence of athletic talent from eastern Nagaland is particularly commendable. However, in this encouraging development, Mokokchung’s contribution stands out – not for excellence, but for its alarming absence.
While other districts apart from Kohima and Dimapur, such as Phek, Peren, and even the remote areas of eastern Nagaland, are making strides, particularly in athletics, Mokokchung seems stuck in inertia. (For the purpose of this column, Dimapur may be read as inclusive of the erstwhile subdivisions, now districts, of Chümoukedima and Niuland.)
This underperformance is not due to a lack of talent. Mokokchung, with its rich history of cultural and social dynamism, is not short of gifted individuals. What it lacks is structure. The absence of a dedicated sports academy in the district is one of the clearest indicators of systemic neglect. But then again, other districts without sports academies are performing well. The difference lies in the fact that, unlike Mokokchung, they send their aspiring athletes to academies in Kohima, Dimapur, or elsewhere.
There is also a broader issue of mindset. While the people of Mokokchung are known for being outgoing and adventurous, they seem to adopt a reclusive approach when it comes to sports. Few athletes venture out to attend training academies. This mindset must change.
Recreational play is common, but pursuing sports professionally is still not seen as a viable path. This hesitancy (perhaps cultural, perhaps economic) is denying young athletes the exposure and training they deserve. It’s one thing to play for health and leisure; it’s quite another to train under certified coaches, compete at higher levels, and strive for excellence.
Unless Mokokchung develops a serious sports infrastructure or encourages its youth to train in academies beyond the district, it will continue to fall behind. This stagnation dulls competitive spirit, weakens community health, and erodes opportunities for teamwork and leadership, and hinders socioeconomic growth.
If Mokokchung wants to be part of Nagaland’s growing sports narrative, it must act now. A shift in outlook, coupled with tangible investment in coaching, infrastructure, and athlete development, is essential. The time has come for serious introspection and decisive action to ensure Mokokchung’s talents are not lost to circumstance but nurtured into champions.