Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio chaired a high-level meeting on Monday at the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) office in Kohima to assess the state’s sports development initiatives and review preparations for a slate of upcoming regional, national, and international events. The session comes as Nagaland positions itself as a rising sports hub in the Northeast. As both the Chief Minister and the President of the NOA, Rio led discussions with key officials and stakeholders, focusing on infrastructure readiness, athlete support, and the strategic involvement of Nagaland in national-level competitions. A highlight of the meeting was Nagaland’s formal proposal to co-host the wrestling discipline of the 39th National Games, scheduled to be held in neighboring Meghalaya in February 2027.
“Our wrestlers have a deep-rooted tradition and immense potential. Co-hosting this event will not only showcase our talent but also strengthen the sports ecosystem in the state,” Rio said during the meeting.In addition to the National Games, the Chief Minister also reviewed preparations for the North East Games, which were initially planned for October 2025 but have now been rescheduled to early 2026 with Tripura as the host. Rio emphasized the need for continued athlete training, improved coordination with regional sports bodies, and timely infrastructure delivery to ensure smooth participation.The meeting also underscored two major international-standard wrestling events Nagaland is set to host: the UWW Alysh Belt Wrestling Championship and the Naga Wrestling World Championship, scheduled from November 15 to 23, 2025. These competitions are expected to attract global attention and give local wrestlers valuable exposure to international talent.
In another major step toward nurturing sports at the grassroots level, the state is preparing to host the inaugural Dr. T. Ao Junior (Girls) National Football Championship, named after the legendary footballer from Nagaland, Dr. Talimeren Ao. This all-girls national-level tournament is expected to serve as a platform to inspire and empower young female footballers across the country.Chief Minister Rio also visited the newly constructed gym facility at the NOA complex, which is nearing completion. Recruitment advertisements have already been released for hiring a gym instructor, multi-task assistant, and cleaner, with the facility expected to become operational in the coming weeks. This gym is set to offer advanced training and fitness support to athletes across disciplines.
