NEW DELHI: The Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD) began its much-awaited Annual Sports Meet 2026 on Wednesday at the Police Ground, Kingsway Camp, near GTB Metro Station, under the theme “Celebrating Unity Through Sports.”
The four-day event, scheduled from February 25 to 28, brought together Naga students and community members in Delhi
Delivering the welcome address, NSUD President D Sozio Mao greeted the gathering. A special prayer was done by Rev. Dr. N. Ricky Medom, Pastor of NCF Delhi, followed by a special number presented by Rojohne Vemai.
The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Joram Maivio, Special Invitee to the Monitoring Committee, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Member of the Bezbaruah Committee, MHA. In his address, Maivio congratulated the organisers, acknowledging that hosting such an event is no easy task.
He emphasised the importance of discipline and dedication, reminding the youth that success is determined by the time and effort invested. Referring to the widely discussed “10,000-hour rule,” he highlighted how excellence demands consistent practice.
“How many hours have you put into your career or your goals?” he asked the participants. “I always remind myself, how many hours have I added to this decision or work?”
He encouraged students not only to chase what they desire but also to focus on what is necessary for growth. Stressing that one cannot become good overnight, he noted that being a good person requires daily practice and conscious effort.
Beyond competition, Maivio underlined the deeper purpose of the sports meet, building friendship and oneness. “Just being Naga is never enough to bind us together. We need events like this to truly connect,” he said, adding that unity and mutual support are essential for strengthening brotherhood.
Addressing identity and heritage, he urged the youth to take pride in their roots. “Are you proud to be Naga? I am proud, and we should all be proud,” he stated, encouraging young people to read and understand Naga history and honour the sacrifices of their forefathers and mothers. He cautioned that without awareness and responsibility, identity, culture, and land could be at risk.
Maivio also expressed concern over divisions caused by excessive tribal consciousness and instances of discrimination within the community. He called for visionary leadership among the younger generation and urged them to stand as role models for unity. Quoting, “I come as one, but I stand as ten thousand,” he reminded the gathering of the collective strength that lies in solidarity.
The oath-taking ceremony was led by NSUD Sports Secretary MK Lovejoy Chothe, after which the Chief Guest formally declared the sports meet open.
This year’s edition features 10 teams, with two tribes combined to form one team, a move seen as a symbolic step towards fostering unity. A variety of games for both men and women are lined up, with football, volleyball, and basketball matches kicking off on the first day.
Food stalls set up by individuals and organisations added to the festive atmosphere, turning the ground into more than just a sporting venue, it became a space of laughter, reunion, and shared stories.