Pughoboto, October 29 (MExN): The fifth Inter-Departmental Sports Meet of Pughoboto Sub-Division 2026 commenced at the Public Ground, Pughoboto, on October 28 under the theme “Impetus Pughoboto! Together to Triumph!”According to a DIPR update, Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports S Keoshu Yimchunger attended the inaugural programme as the special guest. Addressing the gathering, Yimchunger expressed pleasure at visiting Pughoboto, one of the oldest and remotely located sub-divisions in Nagaland. He urged government employees to remain committed to their duties and emphasised the importance of dedication and service, irrespective of their place of posting. Stressing the need for a healthy and productive work environment, he encouraged employees to build strong relationships with colleagues to promote teamwork, efficiency and smart working practices. He also called for dedicated service towards the welfare of present and future generations. Yimchunger urged the concerned departments to ensure the timely completion of pension-related paperwork to prevent delays and inconvenience to retiring employees. Highlighting the state government's emphasis on promoting sports at the grassroots level, he referred to the initiative under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to establish multipurpose buildings at Additional Deputy Commissioner headquarters. He called upon government departments to take proactive initiatives to encourage young people to participate in sports. He also advised aspiring athletes to enrol in the State Sports Academy to develop their talents and pursue sporting opportunities.MLA of the 13-Pughoboto Assembly Constituency, Dr Sukhato A Sema, conveyed his greetings and best wishes to the participants. He underscored the importance of cooperation, mutual understanding and sportsmanship in strengthening relationships among employees and fostering a spirit of collective achievement. In his welcome address, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Pughoboto James T Khulu Tikhir briefed the gathering on the sub-division, its various departments and the significance of the annual inter-departmental sports meet in fostering unity and cooperation among government employees. The sports oath was administered by Hankiumong Yimchunger, SDPO Pughoboto and co-convenor of the Inter-Departmental Sports Committee. The meet was formally declared open by the special guest, S Keoshu Yimchunger. The inaugural programme was chaired by Dr Walusangla Ao, PGT, Government Higher Secondary School, Pughoboto, while Ikuto Swu, Associate Pastor (Y), PTBC, pronounced the invocation. A special number was presented by Hekato Jimo, FM, Sub-District Industries Centre, Pughoboto. The programme concluded with a football match between Team 1, comprising DEF, Medical, SIB, NRB and SBI, and Team 2, comprising the district administration, DEO, RD, F&CS, PHED and IPR. Team 2 won the match 2-0. The two-day meet will feature competitions in football, table tennis and carrom for men, penalty shootouts for women, and arm wrestling for both men and women. It is expected to bring together employees from various departments in a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition. The annual event aims to strengthen inter-departmental relationships, encourage physical fitness and promote teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship among government employees in Pughoboto Sub-Division.
