MDMAA officials pose for a photo during the handing-takeover programme in Mokokchung on June 13.
Mokokchung, June 13 (MExN): The Mokokchung District Martial Art Association (MDMAA) organised its Farewell-cum-Handing and Taking Programme on June 13, during which a new team of office bearers assumed charge for the 2026–30 term.
The programme was chaired by the office bearers of the association, while the invocation was delivered by Dr Imyuangdang. MDMAA Advisor Lemsashi addressed the gathering and conducted the formal handing and taking over of responsibilities between the outgoing and incoming office bearers.
Outgoing Treasurer Imliyanger Jamir reflected on his tenure and acknowledged the support and collective efforts of the association’s members in sustaining and reviving MDMAA. Recalling the challenges faced by the organisation, he said the association had once been at a stage where it was surviving on “oxygen”, requiring united efforts from members to keep it functioning and move it forward.
He said members had worked together with determination to revive and strengthen the association, adding that while beginning a journey together may be easy, carrying responsibilities and overcoming challenges requires commitment and dedication from everyone.
Imliyanger also stressed the need to encourage more youngsters to take up martial arts and physical fitness, noting that interest among the youth remains limited. He recalled the association’s initiatives, including demonstrations and awareness programmes conducted in schools across Mokokchung to promote martial arts and physical exercise.
He further underlined the importance of active participation, exchange of ideas and brainstorming among members for the continued progress of the association and thanked all those who contributed to its revival.
Outgoing President Rongsentoshi Jamir spoke on the history and objectives behind the formation of MDMAA. He said that during 1985-86, several administrative issues arose as different martial arts disciplines functioned independently in the district, leading to difficulties in coordination.
According to him, the administration suggested bringing all disciplines under a parent body at a time when many youngsters were showing interest in martial arts, leading to the formation of an organised association.
Rongsentoshi recalled the contributions of Late Sashi Leo, Sashi Walling and Sentimeren, who helped draft the constitution and establish the association. MDMAA was formally constituted on August 7, 1991, with the objective of bringing various martial arts disciplines under a common platform.
He also noted that several combat sports disciplines have gained Olympic recognition and emphasised that every combat sport should be recognised as a sporting discipline.
Tracing the association’s journey, Rongsentoshi said MDMAA became defunct in 2014 and several revival attempts failed to make significant progress before a group of members and office bearers came together to revive the organisation.
He acknowledged the contribution of outgoing Treasurer Imliyanger Jamir, saying he made significant sacrifices in helping the association move forward. He also highlighted the successful organisation of the association’s Jubilee celebration and the achievement of member Mongsen Longkumer, who won a gold medal at an international event.
The programme also witnessed the formal transfer of responsibilities to the newly inducted office bearers for the 2026–30 session. The new team comprises Imyuangdang as President, Talimoa as Vice President, Imtisungkum as General Secretary, Temjennaro Longchar as Assistant General Secretary, Nukshikala Jamir as Finance Secretary, Jaksungmenla Longkumer as Assistant General Secretary and Imkongwati as Treasurer, along with members of the Executive Committee, Technical Committee and Medical Consultant.
