Thezieu Kire and Akekotuo shine as Advisor Temjenmenba calls for self-reliance in Nagaland motorsports

The Mokokchung AutoX & Sprint 2025, organized by the Adventure and Motorsports Association Mokokchung (AMAM), concluded today in Yimchalu with a thrilling display of motorsport talent.
The eighth edition of the event saw Thezieu Kire of Kohima Adventure Motorsports Club (KAMC) emerge as the overall champion, claiming victories in both the Below 1300 and Open categories, and locking in the best timing on Day 2.

In the SUV category, Kavelesh Das from Meghalaya claimed first place, while Kima Jamir of Spearhead Motorsport Initiative secured second place in the Below 1300, SUV, and Open categories.
Other notable performances included Kakavi Shohe of Team P Vizheto, who earned third place in the Below 1300 category, and Abemo Naga of the same team, who secured third place in the SUV category. Among Jamir of Team P Vizheto placed third in the Open category, while David Rakho of Team RD clocked the best timing of Day 1.
Akekotuo wins Moto X championship
Along with the AutoX, AMAM also organized a MotoX event as part of the competition. Akekotuo from Kohima claimed the MotoX Championship title, with Akho Rhakho, also from Kohima, finishing second, and Liron Ovung from Dimapur claiming the third spot on the podium.

The 30-year-old Akekotuo, who has been involved in Moto racing for several years, shared his excitement about the event. “This (MotoX) is my first time in Mokokchung, and it was a great experience. I had a great time,” he told MT.
A seasoned racer with four trophies to his name, Akekotuo represents his team, Throttle Misfits. Reflecting on the growth of motorsports, he said, “It can be a good career. Over the years, I’ve seen the number of riders increasing, and the outcomes improving. Things are getting better.” When asked if he plans to compete in future events, he replied enthusiastically, “I would, if there’s one.”
Motorsports meets community development
While the event thrilled spectators, Yimchalu Village Council chairman, Wati Walling, spoke on the future of motorsports in the village. Walling noted that Yimchalu, established in 2007 as a farming village, has hosted motorsports events in the past.
“This is not the first time Yimchalu has hosted this event. A similar event was organized here a few years back,” he said.
Acknowledging the inherent risks associated with motorsports, Walling revealed that the village council had previously instructed AMAM to hold the event on the main road for safety reasons. However, he pointed out the challenges this posed for the community. “In order for the sports event to take place, we had to halt activities for the whole day, which caused inconvenience,” Walling explained.
Looking ahead, Walling announced that the village council would no longer permit motorsports events on main roads but would allow them to be held on sector roads. “From next year, we won’t allow it to be held on the main roads.
However, we will allow sector roads,” he said. To facilitate this shift, Walling emphasized the need for developmental support. He suggested intervention from AMAM with regards to implementing infrastructure development projects in the village to make the sector roads suitable for future events.
Temjenmenba urges sustainability & self-reliance for AMAM
The event’s final day also featured Advisor Temjenmenba, who expressed his support for AMAM and the growing motorsports scene in Mokokchung. He commended the organizers for their dedication in hosting the event and acknowledged the impressive number of participants. “It is an expensive affair, and I am sure the organizers have worked really hard to make this happen,” he remarked.
However, he also voiced concerns over the sustainability of such events. Advisor Temjenmenba emphasized the importance of AMAM becoming self-reliant.
“In Nagaland, there are many associations, but most are dependent on donations. It’s important that associations like AMAM develop their own resources to organize such events,” he advised.
“I hope AMAM will take initiatives to become an institution and be independent and not rely on donations,” the Advisor urged.
He also encouraged AMAM to plan a grand silver jubilee event scheduled this year and encouraged AMAM to play a bigger role adding, “I want Mokokchung district to spearhead in motorsports.”
In a conversation with MT, the advisor acknowledged that auto sports is a costly venture and that sustainability remains a significant challenge. He pointed out the need for greater professionalism in the system to advance sports in Nagaland.
“From the state budget alone, it is difficult to fund professional coaching, provide platforms, and improve sports infrastructure. However, while the government is exploring new avenues, private organizations like AMAM are doing their part, which is encouraging,” he stated.
The advisor further shared his plans to attend an independently organized arm-wrestling competition in Botsa, citing it as another example of private initiatives promoting sports. “Government definitely has to come up with a new policy,” he said, expressing the need for innovative strategies to enhance the sports ecosystem in the state.