Mokokchung, 5 September (MTNews): The Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) expressed gratification at the achievement of three outstanding athletes from the Ao community who were honoured by the Nagaland University at a grand ‘Felicitation Programme for Sports Icons’ in Lumami on 28 August 2023.
The MTLT, while acknowledging Nagaland University for honoring the three accomplished athletes from Ao community and one from Chakhesang community, asserted that this would go a long way in encouraging the sports scenario in the State.
The MTLT said that the athletes – Mr Bendangakum (Kung fu & karate), Mr Mongsen (Wushu & Kung fu), and Mr Longtsukumba (Mixed Martial Arts) – have excelled in their own field of combat sport. “Their years of dedication and practice had led them to excel in the state, national and even international levels,” MTLT said.
Therefore, it said, “the recognition given by the highest seat of learning in the State, Nagaland University, fills our hearts with pride and we congratulate the athletes for bringing laurels to our community.”
The MTLT also said that it has always encouraged sports in society and mentioned that many of its members are also officials of different sport associations in the district.
The MTLT also said it is much encouraged to see the “slow but steady revival of the sports scenario in the district after remaining dormant for quite some time now.”
“It is very encouraging to see young boys and girls, with support from their parents, enthusiastically taking to sports along with their academic careers,” it observed. Notable among the recent developments, MTLT said, is the revival of the Basketball Association Mokokchung District (BAMD), the Mokokchung District Taekwondo Association (MDTA) and Boxing Association Mokokchung (BAM). The MTLT encouraged all the sports associations and sportspersons to take inspiration from the accomplished seniors and bring more laurels to the district and community.
At the same time, the MTLT urged the concerned authorities to take serious note of the sports rejuvenation in the district. It particularly requested the District Officer of the Department of Sports & Youth Resources and the Mokokchung District Sports Council (MDSC) to give the necessary push so that the upcoming young athletes would not be discouraged half-way in their pursuit of excellence.
Furthermore, the MTLT assured all moral support to the local athletes and encouraged them to pursue excellence in their own field of sport.
The MTLT statement was appended by its President, Imnaonen Pongen, and General Secretary, Imkongchuba Pongen.