Kohima, April 11: Nagaland is poised to achieve a significant milestone in its sporting journey as the state capital, Kohima, prepares to host the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on April 14 and 15, 2026. The event will mark the first time that an Annual General Meeting of a National Sports Federation is being held in Nagaland, underscoring the state's growing prominence in India's sports ecosystem.
The prestigious gathering will be hosted by the Nagaland Athletics Association and is expected to bring together senior officials, delegates, administrators, and representatives of athletics associations from across the country. The meeting will serve as an important platform for reviewing the progress of athletics in India, discussing future plans, and deliberating on key policy matters related to the development of the sport at the national level.
The announcement was made by Abu Metha, Adviser to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and a prominent advocate for sports development in the state. Describing the occasion as a landmark achievement, Metha said the hosting of the AFI AGM reflects the growing recognition of Nagaland as an emerging destination for sports and major national events.
According to Metha, the decision to hold the AGM in Kohima is not only a matter of pride for Nagaland but also for the entire Northeast region. He noted that the event demonstrates increasing confidence in the state's ability to successfully host national-level sporting programmes and administrative gatherings.
“This is a historic moment for Nagaland. Hosting the Annual General Meeting of the Athletics Federation of India signifies the growing role of the state in the national sports landscape and highlights the progress we have made in developing sports infrastructure and promoting sporting culture,” he said.
The AGM is expected to feature extensive discussions on various aspects of athletics development in the country, including grassroots talent identification, athlete welfare, infrastructure development, coaching programmes, and preparations for upcoming national and international competitions. Sports administrators from different states will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to shaping the future direction of Indian athletics.
Beyond the formal proceedings, the event is also expected to provide an opportunity for visiting delegates to experience Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and renowned hospitality. Organisers believe that hosting the AGM will help showcase the state to a wider audience and strengthen its reputation as a capable host for major sporting and administrative events.
Over the past few years, Nagaland has made significant efforts to promote sports as a tool for youth development, social engagement, and community empowerment. The state government, sports associations, and various stakeholders have worked towards improving infrastructure, encouraging participation, and creating opportunities for athletes to compete at higher levels.
Hosting the AFI AGM is viewed as another important step in that direction. Sports enthusiasts and officials have welcomed the development, noting that such events can inspire young athletes, generate greater interest in athletics, and open new avenues for collaboration with national sports bodies.
The event is also expected to provide economic and promotional benefits by attracting visitors from across the country, thereby contributing to local tourism and hospitality sectors. Kohima, often referred to as the gateway to Nagaland's rich cultural traditions, will have an opportunity to present itself as both a sporting and cultural destination.
Widely known as the “Land of Festivals,” Nagaland has increasingly gained recognition for successfully hosting major events, including cultural festivals, sporting competitions, and national conferences. The hosting of the Athletics Federation of India AGM is expected to further strengthen the state's profile on the national stage.
As preparations gather pace, officials and organisers have expressed confidence that the event will be conducted successfully and leave a lasting impression on delegates from across India. The historic AGM is expected not only to advance discussions on athletics development but also to reinforce Nagaland's growing status as an important stakeholder in the country's sporting future.
