The village gate at Mopungchuket did not look like the finish line of an international tournament, yet on Friday evening it carried the weight of one. Elders and youths waited together as Mongsen Longkumer arrived home after winning a gold medal at the 5th WAKO India Open International Kickboxing Championship 2026 in New Delhi. Guru S Pangyang Ozukum led the cultural reception while the Mopungchuket Village Council and the Mopungchuket Village Sports Federation stood side by side, reflecting a moment where tradition met modern sport.
As he reached the village gate, traditional songs echoed the ceremonial welcome which was once given to victorious men returning home in earlier times. This time, the honor was for an athlete who had brought international recognition to his village through sport.
The Mopungchuket Village Sports Federation (MVSF) later felicitated Longkumer in a program in MSM Conference Hall.
Acknowledging the felicitation, Longkumer said he had been passionate about sports since childhood. He shared that he was able to participate because India hosted the championship this year, giving him an opportunity to compete internationally. He recalled facing opponents from Egypt and Iran before securing the gold medal.
“We all have individual talents. If we continue to nurture and use them, one day we will fulfil our dreams,” he said. He also spoke about the lack of support many young athletes face, particularly from families who may not always see sports as a viable path.
Akumyanger, General Secretary of the Mopungchuket Village Sports Federation, said that in today’s fast changing world young people have opportunities to excel in many fields. He said Longkumer’s achievement should serve as a lesson for village youths to develop their talents and pursue their goals with determination.
Nukshitemjen, General Secretary of Mopungchuket Senso Mungdang, Imyumeren Jamir, Tatar, described the victory as a source of inspiration for the village’s younger generation.
Rev Jongpong, Pastor MBA, offered a thanksgiving prayer during the program. The program was chaired by Ayimjen Jamir, President MALT.
Rongsentoshi Jamir, President of MDMAA, highlighted the financial challenges faced by athletes. He noted that participants had to sponsor themselves and that the registration fee alone was around Rs 22,000 per person. He urged the community to reflect on how it could better support its sportspersons in the future.
For Mopungchuket, it was a reminder that the spirit of honor once reserved for warriors now finds expression in discipline, perseverance and achievement beyond the village.
More than 3000 participants from 25 nations participated in various categories in the championship held from 4 to 8 February.
World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) India is recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
MDMAA felicitates
The Mokokchung District Martial Arts Association (MDMAA) has expressed pride over the strong performance of its members at the WAKO India Open International Kickboxing Cup 2026, held from February 4 to 8 at the K D Jadhav Indoor Stadium.
In a press release, the MDMAA stated that Mongsen Longkumer (52) of Mopungchuket village won a gold medal for India in the Veterans category, while fellow association member Riaj finished fourth after reaching the semifinals in his category.
Competing in the Veterans 41 to 52 years category under the 74 to 84 kg division, Mongsen, who weighed 75 kg, fought his bouts on February 7. He secured a place in the final after defeating Salah Fathi Mohamed Azzazi of Egypt in the semifinal. In the final bout, Mongsen overcame a strong opponent from West Bengal to clinch the gold medal, with both finalists having advanced from separate groups.
Riaj also represented India at the international event and bowed out in the semifinals after losing to a fighter from Kazakhstan, earning a fourth-place finish.
On February 13, the MDMAA received Mongsen Longkumer on his arrival in Mokokchung following his victory. A felicitation programme was later organised at the residence of the MDMAA treasurer, where both Mongsen Longkumer and Riaj were honoured for their achievements.
The association said the performances of the two athletes have brought pride to Mokokchung district and strengthened the local martial arts community.