Kohima, July 23: Nagaland’s top bodybuilders who have represented India on the international stage were honoured on Thursday, with the state celebrating their achievements as a symbol of the growing sporting talent emerging from the Northeast.

The Nagaland Bodybuilding & Fitness Association (NBBFA) felicitated its international athletes at a programme held in Kohima, where Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports S. Keoshu Yimkhiung lauded their discipline, perseverance and commitment to excellence.

Addressing the gathering, Yimkhiung said the athletes had become ambassadors of both Nagaland and India, inspiring a new generation of young sportspersons to pursue excellence in fitness and competitive sports.

“They are not just competing for medals but carrying the pride of Nagaland and the nation onto the global stage,” he said, while calling for greater investment in training infrastructure and opportunities to help athletes compete at the highest level.

The event also recognised the contributions of coaches, trainers, parents and officials who played a crucial role in nurturing the athletes’ success.

Among those felicitated was Lily Hashnu, who won gold in the Women’s Model Physique (Below 155 cm) category at the 16th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2026 in Thimphu, Bhutan, adding another international medal to India’s tally.

The felicitation underscored Nagaland’s growing presence in international bodybuilding, with state officials expressing confidence that the achievements of its athletes would encourage more youth to take up competitive sports and represent the country on the global stage.

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