Hill sports body NAKSAM turns 50, leaders urge greater youth participation in Manipur

The Northern Area Kuki Sports Association Manipur (NAKSAM) celebrated its Golden Jubilee on Tuesday, March 10 with great enthusiasm at South Changoubung village in Kangpokpi district, marking five decades of dedication to sports development, youth empowerment, and community unity in the hill areas of the state.

Established in 1976 under the motto “Ever More and Better Ever,” the association has played a crucial role in nurturing sporting talent and promoting discipline, teamwork, education, and cultural pride among young people across the northern hill regions of the district. Over the years, NAKSAM has evolved into a prominent grassroots sports body, regularly organising tournaments, annual sports meets, youth engagement programmes, and cultural events that bring together communities across the region.

The Golden Jubilee programme commenced with a solemn condolence ceremony led by NAKSAM President Paokai Chongloi, during which the gathering paid tribute to the departed pioneers and leaders whose dedication laid the foundation of the organisation. Attendees observed a minute of silence followed by the traditional blowing of the Pengkul, a customary trumpet symbolising honour and remembrance.

The celebration drew a large gathering of community leaders, church representatives, sports enthusiasts, and dignitaries. The event was hosted by Jangminthang and Nengpichong as Masters of Ceremony, while the invocation prayer was delivered by Shongkhothang Lotjem, Pastor of the S. Changoubung Baptist Church.

Delivering the welcome address, Chongloi reflected on the association’s five-decade journey and emphasised the need to strengthen sports infrastructure and encourage greater youth participation in the region.

A key highlight of the programme was the unveiling of the Golden Jubilee Monolith by Haokholet Kipgen, MLA of the Saitu Assembly Constituency, Government of Manipur. The monolith was later dedicated through a prayer by Rev. Dr. Henkholun Doungel, Dean of Post Graduate Studies at Trulock Theological Seminary.

To mark the milestone occasion, a traditional gong known as Dahpi was ceremonially struck fifty times, symbolising the association’s fifty years of service.

The Golden Jubilee souvenir was officially released by MLA Kipgen, who in his address lauded the association’s sustained efforts in promoting sports among youth in the hill areas and encouraged continued commitment toward nurturing talent and building stronger sporting institutions.

Senior leaders including Chonkam Kipgen and Lenkhomang Chongloi, advisors of the association, along with Thangsei Vaiphei, General Secretary of NAKSAM, delivered speeches highlighting the evolution of the organisation and urging younger generations to carry forward the spirit of unity, discipline, and excellence.

As part of the celebration, executives who served the association between 1976 and 2026 were honoured with mementos and Golden Jubilee souvenirs in recognition of their service, sacrifice, and dedication to the organisation’s growth.

The event was further enlivened by vibrant traditional dance performances by youth clubs representing different villages, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Kuki community. Performances included “Salulap Lam” by Tapho Kuki Youth Club, “Lut Thel-Thel Lam” by S. Changoubung Youth Club, “Vakol Lam” by Lungphou Youth Club, and “Suhta Lam” by J. Songtun Youth Club. A special musical performance by Neijavah Kipgen added to the celebratory atmosphere.

The programme concluded with a benediction delivered by Kamkhohao Kipgen, executive of the Kangpokpi Gambih, Kuki Christian Church.

Community leaders emphasised that the Golden Jubilee is not merely a celebration of past achievements but also a renewed commitment to strengthening sports development, youth leadership, and unity among the hill communities of Manipur.