Dimapur, November 16 (MExN): The Nagaland Forest Department contingent competed in the 28th All India Forest Sports Meet (AIFSM) 2025, held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, from November 12 to 16. The national event saw participation from 3,390 sportspersons representing 42 teams, including 708 women from 30 states, six Union Territories, and six central teams. Nagaland fielded an 11-member team that took part in 13 sporting events across various categories.
The medal tally for Nagaland opened with PCCF & HoFF Vedpal Singh IFS, who won three medals in shooting: a silver in Men Senior Veteran 50m prone, a silver in Men Senior Veteran 50m, and a bronze in Men Veteran 50m prone. Bendanginla and Sedevizo Keretsu added to the tally with bronze medals in Badminton Women Veteran Singles and Powerlifting respectively.
In addition to the five medals, the team reported strong performances in other disciplines. In table tennis, Kevichukho Kire advanced to the semi-finals. Nagaland players also displayed competitive form in carrom (men’s singles and doubles), with L. Henmoi Konyak and Subenthung M Tungoe taking on experienced players from other states.
This year marked the third consecutive participation of the Nagaland Forest Department since the team’s revival after nearly 15 years. According to the department, the contingent “has put up a commendable performance in various sporting event of national stature.”
The All India Forest Sports Meet is a national platform aimed at promoting physical fitness, sports, and games to foster health, team spirit, and camaraderie among forest personnel across the country.
The Nagaland team was led by Vedpal Singh IFS, PCCF & HoFF and Chief De Mission, with Prabhat Kumar (IFS), DCF, serving as Nodal Officer, and Vivika A Sema (ACF) as Team Manager.
