Nagaland’s Sepaktakraw talent will once again feature on the international stage, with Menenu Tsukru and Seyiekhrieno Tepa selected to represent India at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Tsukru and Tepa will be part of the Indian women’s Sepaktakraw contingent for the continental sporting event, scheduled to be held from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
The selection is a major achievement for the two athletes and highlights Nagaland’s growing contribution to Sepaktakraw at the national level. Both players have previously represented India at international competitions, including the 2025 Sepaktakraw World Cup in Patna.
Nagaland will have additional representation in the Indian women’s Sepaktakraw team. Puleno Neikha, Coach under the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland, and Pungotolu Puro, associated with the DGP Sports Team (Sepaktakraw), Nagaland Police, have also been selected as coaches for the Indian team.
The selection of the two players and two coaches continues Nagaland’s strong association with Indian Sepaktakraw at the Asian Games. The state has produced athletes and coaches who have represented India at successive editions of the Games.
The Nagaland Sepaktakraw Association has congratulated the selected players and coaches and expressed confidence in their ability to perform strongly at the Asian Games.
For Menenu Tsukru and Seyiekhrieno Tepa, the opportunity to compete at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 marks another important milestone in their sporting careers. Their participation is also expected to inspire young athletes in Nagaland to pursue Sepaktakraw and other competitive sports at national and international levels.
The 20th Asian Games will bring together athletes from across Asia for competition in multiple sporting disciplines, with Sepaktakraw among the sports in which India will seek strong performances.