Nagaland on Tuesday hosted the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) for the first time, with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio calling for greater investment in sports infrastructure and talent development in the State.
Addressing the inaugural session at Hotel Vivor, Kohima, Rio described the event as a “privilege” and expressed hope that the deliberations would contribute to the advancement of sports, alongside promoting cultural exchange and national integration.
Highlighting the State’s progress, he said Nagaland is making steady strides despite infrastructural challenges and stressed the need for improved facilities, professional coaching, and greater exposure for athletes. He also noted that the State’s affiliation with the Indian Olympic Association has opened avenues for nurturing young talent.
Rio called for coordinated efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and expressed confidence that the outcomes of the AGM would contribute to the growth of athletics in the country.
President of Nagaland Athletics and AFI Vice President Abu Metha termed the occasion “historic,” noting that it is the first time in over six decades of statehood that Nagaland is hosting the AGM of a national sports federation.
He said the meeting goes beyond symbolism, as it brings national-level sporting discussions to the region and helps integrate remote areas into the athletics mainstream. Metha added that such engagements are aimed at generating interest at the grassroots level while identifying and nurturing talent.
The AGM, he informed, will deliberate on key strategies including infrastructure development, talent identification from remote regions, and preparation for upcoming international competitions.
President of the South Asian Athletics Federation, Lalit K. Bhanot, lauded the State government’s efforts in promoting athletics and expressed confidence in Nagaland’s potential, particularly in endurance-based events.
He said national-level initiatives are being expanded to strengthen grassroots participation, with district-level competitions being conducted across the country to identify and support emerging athletes.
Bhanot also assured technical support to the State in developing infrastructure and training programmes, and encouraged the establishment of athletics academies to further strengthen the sporting ecosystem.