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VC Peducha and Mez & Co Win 3rd Nagaland Inter-Open Volleyball Tournament

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VC Peducha and Mez & Co Win 3rd Nagaland Inter-Open Volleyball Tournament

Volleyball Club (VC) Peducha and Mez & Co, Kohima emerged as champions in the men’s and women’s categories respectively at the 3rd Nagaland Inter-Open Volleyball Tournament, which concluded on the night of January 14 at the local ground, Kezo Town.

The two-day tournament was organised by BKK Kezo Town under Kohima district and witnessed enthusiastic participation from a total of 26 teams, including 17 men’s teams and nine women’s teams from across the state.

In the men’s category, VC Peducha clinched the championship title and walked away with a cash prize of INR 50,000 along with the running trophy. Chienino Brothers, Kiruphema finished as runners-up and received INR 30,000. The semi-finalists, BKK Kezo Town and Tama Youth Society, were also awarded cash prizes for their performances.

Individual honours in the men’s section saw Sedzievilie Suohumvü being adjudged the Best Setter, while Kepelhoukho Vielie was named Best Spiker, both representing VC Peducha.

In the women’s category, Mez & Co, Kohima lifted the championship trophy and received INR 50,000 as prize money. Kidima Youth Organisation secured the runners-up position and was awarded INR 30,000. The semi-finalists were Phesama Youth Organisation and Musketeers VC, Pfütsero, who also received cash awards.

Linovi Awomi was adjudged Best Setter, and Nilivi Achumi was awarded Best Spiker in the women’s category, with both players hailing from Mez & Co, Kohima.

VC Peducha and Mez & Co Win 3rd Nagaland Inter-Open Volleyball Tournament

The valedictory ceremony was graced by Tepunol Yore, District Project Officer, Land Resources Department, Government of Nagaland, and President of the Southern Angami Gazetted Officers’ Krotho (SAGOK), as the Valedictory Guest. In his address, Yore congratulated the winners and commended BKK Kezo Town for organising the tournament and providing a vital platform for young athletes. He also distributed the prizes to the winning teams and players.

Earlier, the men’s semi-final matches were attended by Kethoshe Chuzho, entrepreneur and General Secretary of the Central Youth Wing, NPF, and Kelhousilie Rutsa, entrepreneur, as match patrons. The women’s semi-final matches were patronised by Limakumla Pongener, EAC Kezocha, and Zakivole Visa, Legal Officer, NPWD.

The valedictory programme was chaired by Mhalevilie Yongo, Pastor of Victory Church of All Nations, Kohima, while the vote of thanks and benediction were delivered by H. Rokopra Mekro, Pastor of Koinonia Prayer Centre (KPC).

Jeho, Bhavna headline NIAPA NE Open finale

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Jeho, Bhavna headline NIAPA NE Open finale

Mizoram’s ace paddler Jeho Himnakulhpuingheta once again stamped his authority on Northeast table tennis by clinching his fourth men’s singles title at the 5th Toyota NIAPA Northeast Open Table Tennis Tournament, which concluded at the NIAPA Mini Stadium, Chümoukedima, on Sunday.

On the fourth and final day of competition, Jeho overcame a stiff challenge from Assam’s Agniv Bhaskar Gohain to win the men’s singles final 4–2. Though Agniv fought hard, Jeho’s calmness and experience in key moments proved decisive. The defeat marked Agniv’s third consecutive runners-up finish in the championship. Manipur’s Khelendrajit Yengkhom and Mizoram’s Alberto LR Ruata settled for joint third place. The men’s singles event carried prize money of Rs. 25,000 for the champion, Rs. 15,000 for the runner-up and Rs. 5,000 each for the semifinalists.

The women’s singles final witnessed a thrilling contest as Assam’s young paddler Bhavna Kashyap made a memorable NIAPA debut by edging out defending champion Trisha Gogoi 4–3. Bhavna’s victory saw her dethrone the top-ranked Assam player and claim her maiden title in Nagaland. Mizoram’s Moumita Saha and Assam’s Anushna Das finished as semifinalists. The prize money in the women’s singles category stood at Rs. 20,000, Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 4,000 respectively.

In the men’s doubles, Mizoram’s Jeho Himnakulhpuingheta and Alberto LR Ruata successfully defended their title, defeating the Assam duo of Agniv Bhaskar Gohain and Shankab Gautam Baruah in the final. Mizoram’s Laishram Bikram Singh and Meisnam Basantakumar Singh, along with Manipur’s Khelendrajit Yengkhom and Ning Thoujam Colman Singh, finished as semifinalists. The event offered prize money of Rs. 30,000, Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 5,000.

Assam’s Shankab Gautam Baruah and Trisha Gogoi emerged champions in the mixed doubles, while Agniv Bhaskar Gohain and Bhavna Kashyap finished second. Vivek and Anushna Das of Assam, along with Mizoram’s Jeho Himnakulhpuingheta and Malsawmtluangi, shared the semifinal spots. The mixed doubles prize money was Rs. 30,000, Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 5,000.

In the Best Duo of Nagaland category, Kanishk Jain and Hekito Sema claimed the top honours. Visasier Kevichusa and L. David secured second place, while Yangro Imchen and Achamo Ngullie, along with Moa Lemtur and Juthsutho Phoji, finished as semifinalists. The category carried prize money of Rs. 15,000, Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 4,000.

Bhavna Kashyap further underlined her fine form by winning the under-21 girls’ singles title, with Anushna Das finishing runner-up. Angkita Sanjenbam of Manipur and Sreyashi Chakraborty of Tripura ended their campaigns as semifinalists. The prize money stood at Rs. 10,000, Rs. 7,000 and Rs. 3,000.

In the under-21 boys’ singles, Manipur’s Khelendrajit Yengkhom emerged champion, while Ning Thoujam Colman Singh took second place. Abhijit Deb of Tripura and Lalruatfela Rate of Mizoram finished joint third. The category offered prize money of Rs. 15,000, Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 4,000.

The closing ceremony was attended by Polan John, Deputy Commissioner and District Sports Council, Chümoukedima, as the special guest, who distributed the prizes to the winners. Organised by NIAPA, the tournament once again reaffirmed its status as a major platform for nurturing and showcasing table tennis talent from across the Northeast, concluding successfully on Sunday evening.

Jeho–Agniv Rivalry Rekindled as Both Reach Final of 5th Toyota NIAPA Northeast Open

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The enduring rivalry between Mizoram’s Jeho Himnakulpuingheta and Assam’s Agniv Bhaskar Gohain once again took centre stage on Day 3 of the 5th Toyota NIAPA Northeast Open Table Tennis Tournament, as the two paddlers advanced to the men’s singles final for the third consecutive edition. The tournament is being held at the NIAPA Mini Stadium in Chümoukedima.

Defending champion Jeho continued his dominant run with a clinical straight-set win over Manipur’s Khelendrajit Yengkhom in the semifinals. Displaying excellent control and sharp counter-attacks, Jeho wrapped up the match 11-6, 11-4, 11-4 to book his place in yet another final of the championship.

Mizoran duo Jeho Himnakulhpuingheta (blue) and Moumita Saha (blue) in action during a mixed doubles event of the NIAPA Northeast Open Tournament at Chumoukedima.
Mizoran duo Jeho Himnakulhpuingheta (blue) and Moumita Saha (blue) in action during a mixed doubles event of the NIAPA Northeast Open Tournament at Chumoukedima.

In the second semifinal, Assam’s Agniv Bhaskar Gohain produced a composed performance to overcome Mizoram’s Alberto Ruata 11-8, 11-8, 5-11, 11-4. Despite dropping the third set, Agniv regained his rhythm quickly and closed out the match to keep alive his bid to finally dethrone his long-time rival.

Sunday’s final will see Jeho and Agniv face off once again, marking their third successive meeting in the NIAPA Open men’s singles final. Jeho, one of the most consistent performers in the tournament’s history, will be aiming to defend the title for the fourth time. Agniv, meanwhile, will be hoping to reverse his fortunes after falling short against the Mizoram paddler in previous finals.

Both players have also made their mark in the men’s doubles event. Jeho, partnering Alberto Ruata, has advanced to the semifinals, while Agniv, alongside Shankab Gautam Baruah, will contest the other semifinal. The men’s singles final is scheduled for Sunday evening.

In the women’s singles semifinals, Assam’s Bhavna Kashyap secured her place in the final with a straight-set victory over Mizoram’s Moumita Saha, winning 11-9, 11-9, 11-9. Defending champion Trisha Gogoi of Assam also progressed to the final after a dominant 11-7, 11-3, 11-3 win over Anoushna. Bhavna and Trisha will now compete for the women’s singles crown.

Assam duo Bhavna Kashyap and Agniv Bhaskar seen in action during a mixed doubles event of the NIAPA Northeast Open Tournament at Chumoukedima Chumoukedima.
Assam duo Bhavna Kashyap and Agniv Bhaskar seen in action during a mixed doubles event of the NIAPA Northeast Open Tournament at Chumoukedima Chumoukedima.

The men’s doubles semifinals have been lined up with Mizoram’s Jeho Himnakulpuingheta and Alberto Ruata set to face Manipur’s Laishram Bikram Singh and Meisanam Basantakumar Singh. In the other semifinal, Manipur’s Khelendrajit Yengkhom and Ningthoujam Colman Singh will take on the Assam pair of Agniv Bhaskar Gohain and Shankab Gautam Baruah.

Meanwhile, the mixed doubles category progressed into the quarterfinal stage, with Assam pairs dominating the competition.

Organised by NIAPA, the championship continues to bring together leading table tennis players from across the Northeast, promoting competitive excellence and the growth of the sport in the region. The final matches of the tournament will be played on Sunday evening.

Assam Para Athletes Shine at Asian Youth Para Games 2025 in Dubai

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Assam Para Athletes Shine at Asian Youth Para Games 2025 in Dubai

Assam’s para athletes have delivered an outstanding performance at the Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG) 2025, currently being held in Dubai, bringing immense pride to the state and the nation.

Two para athletes from Assam were selected to compete in the Para Athletics events and both showcased exceptional determination, skill, and sportsmanship, collectively winning a total of five medals.

In the Women’s T-44 category, Anishmita Konwar emerged as a star performer. She clinched a Gold Medal in the Long Jump, displaying remarkable athletic excellence. She further strengthened her medal tally by winning a Silver Medal in the 100 metres and a Bronze Medal in the 200 metres, making it an exceptional three-medal achievement.

In the Men’s F-44 category, Lalramsuom Hmar delivered a powerful performance, securing a Gold Medal in the Javelin Throw and a Bronze Medal in the Discus Throw, contributing two more medals to Assam’s overall tally.

Overall, Assam’s para athletes have won five medals at the Asian Youth Para Games 2025, comprising two Gold, one Silver, and two Bronze medals—a remarkable accomplishment on the international stage.

This historic success reflects the continuous efforts, guidance, and encouragement provided by the Assam Para Olympic Association, whose commitment to nurturing para sports and empowering young athletes has played a crucial role in this achievement. The outstanding performance of Assam’s athletes at AYPG Dubai 2025 stands as a proud moment for the state and highlights the growing strength of para athletics under the leadership and support of the Assam Olympic Association.

Arunachal Tops U-17 Taekwondo Nationals, Beating Uttarakhand & Haryana

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Arunachal Tops U-17 Taekwondo Nationals, Beating Uttarakhand & Haryana

The 69th National School Games (U-17 Boys & Girls) Taekwondo Championship concluded with a historic milestone for Arunachal Pradesh as the host state emerged as the overall national champion, outperforming Uttarakhand and Haryana in a highly competitive field.

The event was organised by the Directorate of Education – Sports Branch, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in collaboration with the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), and hosted at the Khelo India Multipurpose Indoor Hall, Itanagar.

Arunachal secured an impressive tally of 4 Gold, 6 Silver, and 3 Bronze, topping the national table with 840 points. Uttarakhand (790 points) and Haryana (670 points) placed second and third respectively.

30-Day High-Performance Coaching Camp Fueled the Victory

Ahead of the championship, the Arunachal Taekwondo Association (ATA) organised a 30-day intensive coaching camp exclusively for the selected athletes. This camp was a major boost to the team’s preparation, as it integrated sports science and athlete support systems for the first time at this scale.

The camp was conducted in collaboration with the NE Sports Foundation, which provided: Sports physiotherapy support,  Sports psychology and mental conditioning sessions and  Technical and tactical refinement under expert Taekwondo coaches of ATA

This scientific approach significantly enhanced athlete readiness and contributed to Arunachal’s championship victory.

NEC’s ‘Rising Strong!’ Report Finds Confirmation

Just days earlier, on 28 November 2025, the North Eastern Council (NEC) released its regional assessment titled “Sports in Northeast India: Rising Strong!”, identifying the top three priority sports for all northeastern states.

Sports in Northeast India:
NEC’s Sports in Northeast India :Priority List

For Arunachal Pradesh, Taekwondo was ranked as the No. 2 priority sport, after football. NEC highlighted that the Northeast was rapidly emerging as a sports powerhouse due to rising talent, better infrastructure, and proactive associations.

Arunachal’s national-level triumph now stands as a powerful validation of NEC’s vision.

The success has drawn widespread appreciation for the Arunachal Taekwondo Association, whose structured planning, scientific training methods, and emphasis on youth development have transformed the state into a national force in Taekwondo.

Officials noted that ATA’s preparation model—integrating sports science, long-duration camps, and athlete welfare—is exactly in line with what NEC projected for the region’s sporting future.

Northeastern States Show Rising Strength

The championship also saw commendable performances from other northeastern states:

  • Assam (Rank 5): 1 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze
  • Manipur (Rank 9): 3 Bronze
  • Mizoram (Rank 14): 1 Silver, 1 Bronze

A Landmark Moment for Northeast India

Hosting the event successfully and winning the championship in front of a home crowd marks a turning point for Arunachal Pradesh and the entire Northeast. With coordinated efforts by the Directorate of Education – Sports Branch and ATA the state has set a new benchmark in athlete preparation and event management.

Arunachal Pradesh’s victory is more than a championship win—it is a testament to the Northeast’s rising confidence, capability, and commitment to becoming a powerhouse in Indian sports.

Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra Shine at Sub-Junior Archery Nationals

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Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra Win Big at Sub-Junior National Archery Championship

The 42nd NTPC Sub-Junior (Recurve, Compound & Indian Round) National Archery Championship concluded in Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium, Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh with stellar performances from budding archers across the country. The week-long tournament, being held from November 22 to 30, showcased exceptional talent in the Compound division, with Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra and Haryana emerging as major medal contenders.

Andhra Pradesh Clinches Boys’ Team Gold

In the Compound Team Event (Boys), Andhra Pradesh dominated the field to secure the gold medal with a decisive 234–218 victory.
The winning team comprised: Pallapu Charan Srikar, Magapu Suhas, Eade Sai Radha Krishna Murthy and Karri Buddeswararao.

Punjab took silver with a strong challenge, while Rajasthan finished with bronze after a nail-biting 234(30) – 234(28) finish.

Maharashtra Leads Girls’ Team Event with Strong Finish

Maharashtra ruled the Compound Team Event (Girls), clinching gold with a 232–230 win. The champion team included:
Prithika Pradeep, Vaidehi Hirachandra Jadhav, Pranjal Pravin Narwade and Sanjivani Sanjay Kachewad.

Delhi secured silver, and Tamil Nadu claimed bronze with a 227–213 finish.

Record-Breaking Youth Performances in 50+50 Metres Rounds

In the 50+50 Metres Distance (Boys), Punjab’s Abhijot Singh delivered a standout performance, scoring 713/720 to top the category. Haryana’s Shivam Rawat (705) and Mohit Dagar (703) followed closely.

Among girls, Maharashtra’s Prithika Pradeep led the scoreboard with an impressive 706/720, followed by teammate Vaidehi Hirachandra Jadhav (698) and Haryana’s Jiya Yadav (696).

Haryana and Maharashtra Excel in Individual Elimination Rounds

Haryana’s Shivam Rawat clinched gold in the Boys’ Individual Elimination round with a close 147–145 win, while Rajasthan’s Pradhuman Yadav secured silver. Delhi’s Aditya Mittal took bronze.

In the girls’ category, Maharashtra’s rising star Prithika Pradeep showcased consistent excellence, taking gold with a 147–141 victory. Haryana’s Jiya Yadav earned silver, and Uttar Pradesh’s Nishtha Gupta won bronze.

Maharashtra Takes Gold in Mixed Team Event

The Mixed Team (Compound) event saw Maharashtra securing yet another gold, thanks to the pairing of Prithika Pradeep and Kapish Datta Satghare, who posted a 157–152 victory.

Haryana’s duo of Shivam Rawat and Jiya Yadav bagged silver, while Delhi’s Aditya Mittal and Minal clinched bronze.

A Powerful Display of India’s Next-Gen Archery Talent

The championship served as a crucial platform for identifying India’s next generation of archery champions. With multiple close finishes and standout performances from young athletes across states, the tournament reinforced India’s growing depth in competitive archery.

Officials praised the high level of competition, noting that the Sub-Junior championship continues to be a key stepping stone in shaping future national and international-level athletes.

2nd Northeast Para Sports Meet 2025 Kicks Off in Guwahati with 583 Athletes

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2nd Northeast Para Sports Meet 2025 Kicks Off in Guwahati with 583 Athletes

The 2nd Northeast Para Sports Meet 2025 began with great enthusiasm at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium, bringing together 583 para athletes from across the region for a three-day championship being held from November 27 to 29.

The event was inaugurated by Pride East Entertainments CMD Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, Assam Sports Minister Nandita Gorlosa, and Pride East Group Vice President (Media) Syed Zarir Hussain. The opening ceremony celebrated the resilience, talent and rising aspirations of the Northeast’s para sporting community.

In her address, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma praised the determination of the participants and highlighted the broader impact of the event, noting that it serves as more than a competition—it’s a platform to inspire emerging para athletes. She also pointed to the region’s growing achievements, mentioning two athletes who will represent India at the upcoming Paralympics in Dubai, and another para boccia athlete who recently competed at a world meet in Kazakhstan.

“We are very happy and proud. This is not only our responsibility; it is an inspiration, a courage and an unbreakable chain of humanity,” she said, encouraging athletes to continue chasing their dreams.

Competitions will take place across six disciplines:

  • Athletics

  • Badminton

  • Chess

  • Table Tennis

  • Swimming

  • Boccia

The meet is organised by Udayachal, the CSR arm of Pride East Group, in collaboration with the Paralympic Association of Assam and under the aegis of the Paralympic Committee of India.

Northeast Sports Boost: Scindia Calls for HR-Focused 60–40 Model

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Northeast Sports Boost: Scindia Calls for HR-Focused 60–40 Model

Scindia Pushes for Unified Sports Strategy and Integrated Food Systems at High-Level Northeast Task Force Meetings.

Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, participated in two significant High-Level Task Force (HLTF) meetings on 19th November, 2025—one on High-Performance Sports Development across the Northeast and the other on Self-Reliance in Milk, Eggs, Fish, and Meat. The meetings are part of the Government’s sustained effort to drive coordinated, evidence-driven and transformative development across the North Eastern Region (NER).

Earlier this year, the Ministry of DoNER established eight HLTFs, each chaired by a Chief Minister of a Northeastern state, based on the consensus reached during the 72nd NEC Plenary Session in Agartala.

Unified Northeast Sports Strategy: 60–40 Model to Power India’s Next Generation of Champions

The HLTF on Sports, chaired by Manipur Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, saw participation from senior leaders including Minister of State for Sports & Youth Affairs Smt. Raksha Khadse, Mizoram Sports Minister Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar, Meghalaya Sports Minister Shri Shakliar Warjri, representatives from the Government of Assam, and officials from the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

Reiterating the Government’s “One Sport, One State” model, Minister Scindia urged participating states to prepare micro-level, discipline-specific proposals that focus on end-to-end athlete development. The sports disciplines identified include:

  • Mizoram: Football

  • Manipur: Boxing & Weightlifting

  • Tripura: Judo

  • Meghalaya: Archery

  • Nagaland: Archery & Taekwondo

  • Sikkim: Taekwondo

60–40 Model: Human Resource First

Highlighting the need for a paradigm shift in sports development, Scindia called for adopting a “60–40 model”—with 60% resources directed toward coaching, technology-enabled training, talent scouting, and human resource development, and 40% toward infrastructure.

“While facilities exist across the country, true excellence will come only from strong coaching ecosystems and athlete-centric, technology-driven training. The Ministry of DoNER stands ready to fully support this vision,” he said.

Scindia also stressed the need for each state to formulate a comprehensive sports calendar, from preschool to university, culminating in block-level and inter-state competitions. The Minister underscored that the Northeast must aim to produce at least one sport that becomes a nationally recognised model of excellence.

The discussions marked a significant move toward transforming the Northeast into a high-performance sporting powerhouse, aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Arunachal, Manipur, Assam Athletes Triumph at KIUG 2025

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Golom Tinku, Sonia Devi, Kiuchangliu Gangmei & Bornali Borah Lead a Strong Regional Surge
Bornali Borah (assam), Waikhom Sonia Devi (Manipur) and Golom Tinku (Arunachal)

Northeast Athletes Dominate KIUG 2025: Golom Tinku, Sonia Devi, Kiuchangliu Gangmei & Bornali Borah Lead a Strong Regional Surge. 

The Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2025 witnessed a remarkable surge of dominance from athletes hailing from the Northeast, with gold and silver medals pouring in across weightlifting and fencing. Among the brightest stars were Golom Tinku of Arunachal Pradesh, Waikhom Sonia Devi and Kiuchangliu Gangmei of Manipur, and Bornali Borah of Assam — athletes who not only won medals but showcased the growing sporting firepower of the region.

Golom Tinku Wins Gold in Men’s 60kg Weightlifting

Arunachal Pradesh’s weightlifting sensation Golom Tinku clinched gold in the men’s 60kg category, representing Lovely Professional University (LPU). He delivered a powerful total of 256kg (112kg snatch + 144kg clean & jerk), continuing his rise after successes at international events such as the Commonwealth Championships and World Youth Championships.

Coach Yukar Sibi: The Guiding Force

Behind Tinku’s success is his coach Yukar Sibi, one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most respected weightlifting mentors. Sibi’s early coaching, combined with Tinku’s advanced training at the Army Sports Institute (ASI), Pune, helped the athlete overcome hardships and emerge as one of India’s most promising young weightlifters.

Waikhom Sonia Devi Takes Gold in Women’s Foil Fencing

Manipur’s Waikhom Sonia Devi displayed exceptional skill and tactical mastery to win gold in the women’s foil event. She defeated compatriot Naorem Mina Devi, who represented Guru Kashi University, in an all-Manipuri final. Sonia’s victory reinforced Manipur’s longstanding legacy as India’s fencing powerhouse. Assistant Professor Ayekpam Dhanapyari Devi of T.S. Paul Manipur Women’s College leads the MU fencing team as the University Sports Manager.

Kiuchangliu Gangmei Wins Silver in Women’s 53kg Weightlifting

In a fiercely contested category, Kiuchangliu Gangmei from Manipur University lifted 167kg, earning a silver medal in the women’s 53kg class. She missed the gold by only one kilogram, making it one of the closest finishes at KIUG 2025.

Bornali Borah — Assam’s Rising Star — Claims Gold in Women’s 53kg Weightlifting

The gold in the same category went to Bornali Borah, a talented weightlifter from Assam, competing for Lovely Professional University (LPU). She lifted a total of 168kg, narrowly edging out Gangmei for the top spot.

Bornali’s victory is significant for Assam, which has been steadily producing elite talent in weightlifting, following the legacy of champions like Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain from the broader Northeast region.

Northeast India: A Growing Sports Powerhouse

The combined achievements of Tinku (Arunachal Pradesh), Sonia and Gangmei (Manipur), and Bornali (Assam) underscore a strong and consistent pattern:
The Northeast continues to establish itself as one of India’s most reliable sources of sporting excellence.

With national selectors and sports federations taking note, these athletes are now expected to spearhead India’s campaigns in upcoming Asian and international competitions. Their KIUG 2025 performances are more than just medals — they are symbols of hope, resilience, and rising opportunity across the Northeast.

From Arunachal’s remote valleys to Manipur’s fencing academies and Assam’s lifting arenas, the Northeast is proving once again:
India’s next generation of champions is already here — and they are rising fast.

Youth Power: NE India Fields 104 Players at School Games

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North-East India has marked a strong and inspiring presence at the 69th National School Games (U-17), with a total of 104 players representing the region across various Taekwondo categories.

According to the official entries, 53 male and 51 female athletes from five participating North-Eastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Mizoram—are competing at the Khelo India Indoor Stadium in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.
Notably, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura had no listed participants in this edition of the Games.

State-wise Participation Breakdown

  • Arunachal Pradesh: 23 athletes (12 male, 11 female)

  • Assam: 25 athletes (11 male, 14 female)

  • Manipur: 25 athletes (13 male, 12 female)

  • Meghalaya: 18 athletes (9 male, 9 female)

  • Mizoram: 13 athletes (8 male, 5 female)

The strong representation from these states reflects the region’s increasing emergence as a powerhouse in martial arts and combat sports. Assam and Manipur, traditionally strong performers in Taekwondo and other combat events, lead the count with 25 players each.

A Platform for Rising Champions

With the Games being hosted in Itanagar, the event provides a morale boost to local athletes. Arunachal Pradesh, the host state, has fielded a robust contingent of 23 participants, signaling its growing sports infrastructure and athlete development programs.

The close parity between male and female athletes reflects a promising shift toward greater gender inclusivity in North-East sports.

Growing Aspirations in the North-East

The National School Games continue to serve as a stepping stone for many young talents aspiring to secure positions in national camps, Khelo India programs, and future international events. The participation of 104 young athletes from the region stands as a testament to the North-East’s rising influence in India’s sporting landscape.

As the competitions continue through December 1, all eyes remain on these promising athletes who are not just representing their states but carrying forward the sporting spirit of the entire North-East region.