The State Level Half Marathon held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on October 5.
DGP Rupin Sharma calls for drug-free future
Kohima, October 5 (MExN): The State Level Half Marathon was held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on October 5 under the banner ‘SPANDAN’, organised by the 78 Battalion, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) (Sechü-Zubza) in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Government of Nagaland.
A total of 3,000 runners from across the state participated in the event across three age-group categories for both men and women, with the best timing recorded at about one hour seven minutes, a press release received here stated.
Nagaland Director General of Police Rupin Sharma, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, termed the event a unique occasion and expressed hope that the winners would continue to participate in such events.
He appealed to the Sports Authority to select the best talents for participation in long-distance and middle-distance running, and hoped that the best participants would be sponsored and selected by the SAI for better training and coaching to compete at the international level.
The DGP said such events should become a regular feature to create a good platform for the youths of the state.
Addressing the athletes, Sharma said, “Today, our state stands at a crucial crossroads. This marathon is not just about crossing a finish line or winning prizes—it is a powerful movement toward building a progressive, healthy, and completely drug-free future for our state. When our youth choose the running track, they choose health, they choose purpose, and they reject the path of substance abuse. Every single step you take today is a stride toward unity, peace, and national integration.”
He urged citizens and the youth to come forward, support the runners, and let the message of collective harmony echo from Kohima to every corner of the nation.
Delivering his welcome address, Commandant 78 Bn CRPF Deven Bhosle briefed about the word SPANDAN (Sports for Peace and Development Across Nations), describing it as a ‘Hello India Scheme’ initiative by the Sports Authority of India to provide financial and technical assistance to Central Armed Police Forces like the CRPF and BSF to promote peace, physical fitness, foster national integration, youth engagement and strengthen social harmony through community sports in border and conflict-affected regions.
He said the core objective of SPANDAN was to foster social harmony, organise grassroots sports culture and youth development encompassing multiple regional disciplines including football, badminton and volleyball, alongside half marathons.
Bhosle asserted that the Half Marathon event was far more than just a race for medals or a test of physical endurance, but a collective stride towards building a healthier, united society that represents the shared commitment to fostering community harmony, empowering the youth, and voicing a strong collective stance for peace and national integration.
A total of 60 cash prizes amounting to an aggregate value of Rs 6.30 lakh were distributed to the top finishers during the closing ceremony. A cash prize of Rs 30,000, Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively, and Rs 5,000 each for runners placed from 5th to 10th position, were awarded to the winners and runners-up along with medals.
In the Male 1st category (ages 18 to below 30 years), the winners were Shiangjiu, Elanthung and Temjensanem respectively, while in the Female 1st category (ages 18 to below 30 years), the winners were Songmo, Chongso and Tsumian respectively.
In the Male 2nd Category (ages 30 to below 45 years), the winners were Jonathan Yezenthung and Banglo Konyak respectively, while in the Female 2nd Category (ages 30 to below 45 years), the winners were Cekrotalu, Sentinaro and Tiapenla Amer.
In the Male 3rd category (above 45 years), the winners were N. Pichong, Shipemo and W.R. Joseph respectively, while in the Female 3rd category (above 45 years), the winners were T. Roslyn Lotha, Vilhousieno and Mezo Nenio respectively.
With inputs from DIPR
