Nagaland’s sporting community is mourning the loss of Hunezo Thisa, State Archery Coach and Joint Secretary of the Archery Association of India (AAI), who passed away on Saturday in Kohima after a brief illness. He was 52.
Born on August 15, 1972, Hunezo Thisa was a pioneering figure in the development of archery in Nagaland and a prominent sports personality in the state. He holds the historic distinction of being the first person from Nagaland to win a gold medal at the National Games, an achievement he earned in 1994 in Maharashtra.
From 1988 to 2007, Thisa was an active competitor in the national and regional archery scene. He represented Nagaland in various tournaments, including the National Games, National Championship, North East Archery Championship, and other Sports Festivals. He was also an AAI-accredited National Judge and frequently officiated at major competitions at the national and state levels.
As the State Archery Coach at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, he was instrumental in grooming many young archers, some of whom went on to represent the country internationally. In recognition of his lifelong contribution to sports, he was conferred the Dr. T. Ao State Sports Award for Coaches in 2018.
The Archery Association of India, the Nagaland Olympic Association, the Phek District Sports Association, and several individuals have paid rich tributes to Thisa.
AAI: Expressing sadness at his passing, the Archery Association of India said his death has left a void that will be deeply felt across the archery fraternity. “His unwavering dedication and relentless hard work were instrumental in elevating Nagaland Archery to the top level. He poured his heart and soul into nurturing talent, developing infrastructure, and promoting the spirit of archery within the state. His passion was infectious, inspiring countless individuals to take up the bow and arrow,” the AAI reminisced. They acknowledged his role not only as a dedicated office bearer of the AAI but also as a “front flag bearer of Archery in Nagaland in his capacity as the State Coach in the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland.”
NOA: The Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), in its condolence message, remembered Thisa as an accomplished sportsperson, decorated coach, and able administrator. Secretary General Abu Metha said, “As a coach, he mentored and nurtured numerous champion archers who brought laurels to the state at various national and regional events. In recognition of his contributions, he was conferred the prestigious Dr. T. Ao State Sports Award for Coaches.” He further added, “He was deeply committed, passionate about his profession and brought boundless energy and optimism to every task he undertook. His passing is an immense loss to the Olympic movement, and the void left behind will be difficult to fill. His contributions and sacrifices in the field of sports—especially archery—will be remembered with respect and gratitude.”
PDSA: The Phek District Sports Association (PDSA) also paid tribute to Thisa, calling him a pioneer, coach, promoter, and champion in the field of archery “who have not only brought our community in the global platform but have also trained and produced many like him, a person who have achieved much for himself, the youngsters of our community and for the Nagas as a whole.” PDSA President Nezosa Tetseo said, “His achievement is nothing short of greatness but a beam of light for the community and the Nagas to cherish upon.”
Tetseo also recalled several of Thisa’s notable achievements: winning the individual championship at the VIII and IX Sports Festival for the North East Region in 1994 and 1995, a gold medal at the 1994 National Games, and a bronze medal as part of the Indian team at the Second International Cup Federation Archery Competition in 1991. He also served as Convenor of the Archery Association of India Athletes Committee, Joint Secretary of the Nagaland Archery Association, and was a founding member of the Phek District Archery Association, where he held the position of Technical Advisor.