Kohima: Athletics Federation of India (AFI) adopted the Kohima Declaration during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Kohima on Wednesday, marking the first time Nagaland hosted the AGM of a national sports federation.
The meeting, hosted by the Nagaland Athletics Association, reaffirmed a collective commitment to the development of athletics across the country, with special emphasis on strengthening the sport in the North Eastern region.
During the AGM, the Kohima Declaration was formally adopted and signed, highlighting AFI’s resolve to promote athletics nationwide through structured and inclusive initiatives while encouraging greater participation and talent development among youth.
Through the declaration, the federation reaffirmed its focus on promoting athletics nationwide while using sport as a platform for strengthening national integration by encouraging unity, mutual respect and shared identity across geographical and cultural boundaries.
It also emphasised youth empowerment and talent development by creating pathways and opportunities for young athletes to reach their full potential and compete at national and international levels.
The declaration further reiterated adherence to the ideals of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Movement’s guiding principle: Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter (Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together).
Recognising the strong talent base in Nagaland and the wider North Eastern region, the federation resolved to undertake focused strategic interventions to support athletics development in the region. These include strengthening collaboration with state governments and athletics associations, facilitating infrastructure development and capacity building, and creating high-performance pathways for emerging athletes.
The declaration also highlighted plans to promote the region as a vibrant hub of athletic excellence by encouraging the hosting of more national and international competitions and integrating it more closely into the national sporting ecosystem.
Adopted at the AFI Annual General Meeting held in Kohima on April 15, 2026, the declaration marks a significant institutional milestone while reaffirming the federation’s vision of building an inclusive and nationally integrated sporting framework that recognises the strength and potential of every region of India.
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The AGM also marked a significant institutional milestone for AFI, being the first time the federation convened its annual meeting in Nagaland. The federation acknowledged the support and hospitality extended by the Government and people of the state in ensuring the success of the event.
Among the signatories to the Kohima Declaration were Lalit K. Bhanot, President of the South Asian Athletics Federation and Chairman of the AFI Planning Committee; Bahadur Singh Sagoo, President of AFI; Adille J. Sumariwalla, Vice President of World Athletics; and Abu Metha, President of the Nagaland Athletics Association and Vice President of AFI.
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