National Games: Nagaland wins historic Gold Medal

Mokokchung, 29 October (MTNews): Nagaland’s Kitenlo K Thono won the individual Gold Medal in the 90-95 Kg Tanding Fight Category in Pencak Silat at the National Games in Goa. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was quick to congratulate Thono on his historic win. “This is a historic achievement and he has made the entire Nagaland proud and joyous,” Rio said. This is Nagaland’s third medal at the National Games.

Gold Medal for Nagaland.

Congratulations to Mr. Kitenlo K. Thono for winning the individual Gold Medal in the 90-95 Kg Tanding Fight Category in Pencak Silat at the National Games in Goa.

This is a historic achievement and he has made entire Nagaland proud and joyous. pic.twitter.com/zBhbbtSkOo

— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) October 29, 2023

Earlier in the day, Nagaland’s Liike Kibami, a student of Tetso College, won an individual silver medal in the 55-60kg Tanding Fight Category in Pencak Silat. She is a double medal winner as she was part of the team that won a bronze medal in the Women’s Regu Category (Pencak Silat) yesterday.

Congratulations to our student Liike Kibami from BSW on baghing two medals – Silver in Tanding(fight) 55-60kg (Pencak Silat) and with the Nagaland team on securing Bronze in Women's Regu Category (Pencak Silat)@NagalandOlympic@abumetha@HewasaK#striveforexcellence pic.twitter.com/ncAbBmrWg5

— Tetso College (@TetsoCollege) October 29, 2023

Honorary Medal for Neiyalie Angami
Meanwhile, according to the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), Nagaland’s Chef de Mission to the National Games, Neiyalie Angami, received well-deserved recognition from the National Games organizers.

Nagaland's Chef de Mission to the National Games, Shri. Neiyalie Angami, received well-deserved recognition from the National Games organizers. He played a pivotal role in awarding prizes to the victorious athletes during the Medal Ceremony.

In a momentous gesture of… pic.twitter.com/WNxhF9dDKV

— Nagaland Olympic Association (@NagalandOlympic) October 29, 2023

“He played a pivotal role in awarding prizes to the victorious athletes during the Medal Ceremony. In a momentous gesture of appreciation, the organizing committee and the Government of Goa bestowed upon Mr. Neiyalie the National Games Honorary Medal,” NOA said.

“A former sportsperson, a retired Government Sports Official, and a seasoned sports administrator, his contributions to the sports community are truly remarkable. His dedication for Nagaland continues to shine, making us proud,” NOA added.

The 37th National Games 2023, India’s own multi-sport event, is taking place across five cities in Goa. Athletes from 28 states, eight Union Territories, and the Services Sports Control Board are competing. Maharashtra is leading the medal count with 100 medals, including 41 gold, 29 silver, and 30 bronze. This marks the first time Goa is hosting the National Games, which will conclude on November 9. Over 10,000 athletes are participating in 43 sports, including both traditional Olympic disciplines and indigenous sports like mallakhamb, kho kho, and kabaddi.

Mokokchung Times