Chuchuyimlang, January 29, 2026 (www.nokinketer.in): The 34th Langpangkong Students’ Conference (LKM) Sports Festival 2026 commenced on January 29 at the Langpangkong Tzükong Government High School ground, Chuchuyimlang, and will conclude on January 30.

This year the sports festival is being hosted by the Chuchuyimlang Village Council in collaboration with the Chuchuyimlang Students’ Union. Around 550 delegates as invited by the host village is participating in the event. The LKM Sports Festival will be held only at Chuchuyimlang, as it is the headquarter, and the venue will remain the same regardless of which village gets to hosts the event, since the grounds and courts have already been maintained.

The sports festival is featuring three main events: the Men’s Football Tournament, Men’s Volleyball Tournament, and Women’s Volleyball Tournament. The football and volleyball competitions are being conducted under the supervision of the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) and the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association (MDVA) respectively. The champions and runners-up of each tournament will be awarded cash prizes along with trophies, while the individual awards in the football tournament include Most Promising Player, Best Goalkeeper, Player of the Tournament, Highest Goal Scorer, and Best Defender. Individual awards for both the men’s and women’s volleyball tournaments will include Best Setter and Best Spiker.

The inaugural football fixtures were played simultaneously on two grounds. At the ground one, defending champions Kangtsüng faced Akhoya Village, where Kangtsüng won the match with a final score of 1-0. Meanwhile, at the second ground, Longkong defeated Unger by a margin of 2–0.

Meanwhile, the volleyball matches for both men and women were also played simultaneously on two courts. In the men’s volleyball tournament, the opening match was played between Changtongya Yimsen and Chakpa in best of five set, with Changtongya Yimsen registering a win with final score 25/11, 25/9, 28/30 & 15/25. The women’s volleyball tournament also commenced with its inaugural match between Salulamang verses Chuchuyimlang. Played in a best of five, the scoreline 25/20, 25/12 & 25/13 went in favour of Salulamang.

During his address, Lepzungchiba Jamir emphasized that sports is not merely about medals, trophies, or applause, but a process that shapes character and personality. He stated that discipline, proper training, and the ability to accept defeat are essential qualities in sports, adding that one cannot be considered a true sportsperson without learning how to face failure and rise again.

Sharing his personal life experiences, Jamir said he came from a humble background with no support system and had encountered numerous failures and difficulties. He recalled moments when hope seemed absent, but said he made a firm decision not to surrender to circumstances, resolving to move forward regardless of challenges. Addressing the Langpangpkong Students citizens, he urged them not to limit themselves based on their background, questioning why they should not aspire to progress despite difficulties.

Referring to the purpose of the programme, he noted that recognition is not meant for lazy or forgettable individuals, but for those who are courageous, hardworking and willing to change their direction in life. He concluded by stating that success does not depend on luck or others, but on one’s behaviour, lifestyle, determination, hard work, and aspirations, which ultimately shape the future.

The programme included an opening presentation by the Children’s Ministry of Chuchuyimlang Baptist Church, followed by flag hoisting by the Guest of Honour and the official kick-off and the commencement of the LKM Sports Festival. LKM President Imlinok delivered the presidential address, while representative from the Rionsanger Putu Tatar Salang, Chuchuyimlang delivered the welcome address. Imtinuklu Jamir Sports Secretary, LKM conducted the oath taking.

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