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The Nagaland Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (NBBFA) on Thursday felicitated international bodybuilders Lily Hashnu and Keneilelie Sorunuo in recognition of their representation of India at the 16th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships held in Thimphu, Bhutan, from June 30 to July 4.<\/p>\n
Hashnu brought laurels to the country by winning the gold medal in the Women\u2019s Model Physique (Below 155 cm) category.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the felicitation programme, Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports, S. Keoshu Yimkhiung, described the athletes\u2019 achievement as a matter of immense pride for Nagaland and the nation. He said their participation at the international level reflected not only personal success but also the dedication of their families, coaches and everyone who had contributed to their journey.<\/p>\n
Observing that bodybuilding demanded extraordinary discipline, patience and sacrifice, Yimkhiung said athletes devoted themselves to rigorous training, strict nutrition and unwavering commitment long before stepping onto the competition stage. He noted that while the public often celebrated medals, the years of perseverance and hard work behind those achievements frequently went unnoticed.<\/p>\n
He said the athletes had demonstrated that Nagaland possessed the talent and determination to compete with the best internationally and expressed hope that their success would inspire more young people to pursue fitness and competitive sports. Stressing the importance of continued institutional support, he said better facilities, training opportunities and encouragement were essential to help more athletes from the state reach national and international platforms.<\/p>\n
Director of Youth Resources & Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose, who attended as the guest of honour, said bodybuilding and fitness had gradually earned greater recognition as an integral part of sports development. Agreeing that the discipline had long been underestimated, he pointed out that fitness now formed the foundation of every sport and was being actively promoted under the Government of India\u2019s Fit India Movement and Khelo India programme.<\/p>\n
Sekhose said Nagaland had also strengthened its sports science initiatives by establishing its first Strength and Conditioning Laboratory at Indira Gandhi Stadium under the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence. He expressed hope that similar facilities would be expanded across the state.<\/p>\n
Recalling that bodybuilding was once regarded merely as a pastime, he said athletes such as Hashnu and Sorunuo had proved that it could also become a serious sporting career. At the same time, he cautioned that proper coaching was essential, recalling how many youngsters in earlier years had sustained injuries while attempting weight training without qualified supervision.<\/p>\n
He further stated that although bodybuilding was not an Olympic sport, strength and conditioning remained fundamental to every sporting discipline by improving performance and reducing injuries. He assured that the government would positively consider proposals from the association as the sport continued to develop in the state.<\/p>\n
NBBFA, bodybuilders<\/p>\n
Responding on behalf of the athletes, Hashnu expressed gratitude for the recognition and said the honour belonged equally to everyone who had stood behind them with dedication and encouragement.<\/p>\n
Describing bodybuilding as one of the most misunderstood sports, she said it involved structured training, scientific nutrition, weight management and clearly defined judging standards based on muscle development, symmetry, conditioning, posing and overall presentation.<\/p>\n
Hashnu observed that the sport often received limited recognition because it was not included in the Olympic Games, but maintained that greater support from state governments could significantly strengthen its growth. Referring to interactions with athletes from neighbouring states during the South Asian Championship, she said many had spoken about the strong support extended by their respective governments.<\/p>\n
She also clarified that the athletes competed under the Indian Body Builders Federation (IBBF), which she said had been recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India as the national federation for bodybuilding, with the renewal of its recognition presently under process.<\/p>\n
Highlighting the financial demands of the discipline, Hashnu said bodybuilding required substantial year-round investment in nutrition, professional coaching, supplements, travel and competition expenses, with preparations often beginning four to five months before an event.<\/p>\n
Despite these challenges, she said athletes continued to compete out of passion and immense pride in representing both India and Nagaland. She added that every international appearance also provided an opportunity to introduce people to Nagaland and showcase the state on a larger platform.<\/p>\n
Hashnu further acknowledged the role of NBBFA, stating that despite limited financial resources, the association had consistently encouraged athletes and created opportunities for them to compete beyond the state. She credited the association\u2019s continued support for enabling Nagaland\u2019s bodybuilders to perform successfully at national and international competitions.<\/p>\n
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NBBFA women coordinator Chubalemla Ao. NBBFA president Chubaonen Ao delivered the welcome address, while general secretary Thejakhrietuo Kire proposed the vote of thanks.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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