Participants pose for a photo during the My Bharat–ASMITA Fit India sporting event held at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on March 7.
Mokokchung, March 8 (MExN): Mokokchung Athletics, in collaboration with My Bharat, organised the My Bharat–ASMITA Fit India sporting event at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on March 7 to mark International Women’s Day 2026.
The event was held under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through the Sports Authority of India and My Bharat, as part of the Government of India’s ‘Sports for Women’ initiative—ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action). The programme brought together young women and girls to compete in various athletics events.
Project Director of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) Mokokchung, Imyapangla, attended the opening programme as special invitee and said the mission of ASMITA is to encourage women and girls to participate in sports, build confidence and lead healthier lives. She said sports help instil discipline, teamwork and perseverance, and are also important for character-building and resilience.
Imyapangla said events such as the 100m, 200m, 400m, shot put and long jump reflect the determination and aspirations of young athletes. She added that ASMITA leagues across the country have already engaged large numbers of women and girls, demonstrating that women excel when provided opportunities.
She also noted that Nagaland’s society has long recognised the strength of women and that platforms like ASMITA can help nurture future state, national or even Olympic athletes.
The closing programme was attended by Vice-President of Mokokchung District Sports Council (MDSC) Martoshi Jamir as special invitee, who also distributed certificates to the winners. He encouraged youths not to rely solely on government jobs but to explore opportunities in sports and skill-based careers.
The competition included track events—100m, 200m and 400m—and field events such as shot put and long jump, with participants competing in three age categories: Under-13, 13–18 years and above 18 years. Although up to 128 participants per event per category were allowed, only about 25 athletes participated.
In the Under-13 category, Moabenla won both the 100m and 200m races.
In the 13–18 category, Noksupongla Jamir won the 200m, followed by Imjungbenla Walling and Imnasenla Pongen, while Imjungbenla Walling won the 400m ahead of Tiasenla and Imlijungla Jamir. In the 100m event, Imjungbenla Walling finished first, followed by Noksupongla Jamir and Imnasenla Pongen.
In the field events, Tiasenla won the shot put with a throw of 7.71 metres, followed by Merentula (7.14m) and Bendangsenla T Sangtam (6.78m). Merentula secured first place in the long jump with 3.14m, followed by Ushijem T Longkumer (2.82m) and Imjapokla (2.78m).
In the 18 years and above category, Lanukokla won the 100m race ahead of Sentibenla Jamir and H Angip Konyak. Imkongkumla won the 400m, followed by Sentibenla Jamir and Chonglem P, while Lanukokla won the 200m ahead of Imkongkumla and Rongsenungla.
In the field events, H Angip Konyak won the shot put with a throw of 8.49m, followed by Lanukokla (8.24m) and Masamongla (7.41m). Watilemla won the long jump with 2.76m, followed by H Angip Konyak (2.65m) and Ngoilih Konyak (2.52m).
The programme began with a welcome address by Mokokchung Athletics president Rongsentoshi Jamir, while general secretary Imchatsung delivered the closing address.
Winners were presented with certificates and medals during the closing ceremony. Organisers noted that the turnout of women participants was lower than expected and expressed hope that more girls and women in the district would participate in such events in future.
