The 28th All India Forest Sports Meet (AIFSM) 2025 has emerged as one of the most vibrant and inspiring national events of the year, bringing together thousands of forest personnel from across the country. Held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, the prestigious meet not only showcased sporting excellence but also highlighted India’s growing emphasis on environmental stewardship, forest governance, and holistic personnel development.
Nagaland’s Forest Officers Deliver a Power-Packed Performance
The Nagaland Forest Department delivered a remarkable performance at the meet held from November 12 to 16. With 3,390 sportspersons from 42 teams—including 708 women—the competition was intense, yet Nagaland’s 11-member contingent made a strong mark across 13 sporting disciplines.
Leading the medal charge, PCCF and HoFF Mr. Vedpal Singh secured three medals in shooting: silver in Men Senior Veteran 50m prone, silver in Men Senior Veteran 50m, and bronze in Men Veteran 50m prone. Adding to the success, Ms. Bendanginla earned a bronze in Badminton Women Veteran Singles, while Sedevizo Keretsu claimed a bronze in Power Lifting.
Several athletes advanced deep into their events. Kevichukho Kire reached the table tennis semi-finals, while L. Henmoi Konyak and Subenthung M. Tungoe impressed in carrom singles and doubles. This marks Nagaland’s third year of continuous participation after a 15-year pause, guided by Chief de Mission Mr. Vedpal Singh, nodal officer DCF Mr. Prabhat Kumar, and team manager ACF Ms. Vivika A. Sema.
A Grand Inauguration Reflecting India’s Commitment to Fitness and Conservation
The meet was inaugurated by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Mr. Pushkar Singh Dhami at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Raipur. With participation from 30 states, six Union Territories, and six central teams, AIFSM 2025 is one of the largest gatherings of forest personnel in India. Chhattisgarh led the participation list with 253 athletes, followed by Karnataka (225), Madhya Pradesh (202), and Maharashtra (202).
The competitions span 22 sports—including archery, football, golf, swimming, cycling, billiards, and snooker—held at iconic venues such as the Forest Research Institute, Parade Ground, and the Indian Military Academy.
Mr. Dhami emphasized that sports play a vital role not just in physical fitness but in shaping personality and supporting nation-building. He highlighted the need for forest personnel to remain fit, as they serve as India’s frontline defenders of forests and biodiversity. He also showcased Uttarakhand’s growing sports infrastructure, with 23 sports academies, a women’s sports college, and a state sports university being developed across eight cities.
Participants were encouraged to plant a tree within the sports complex—aligning the meet with India’s larger ecological mission.
Uttarakhand Pushes for Wildlife and Ecotourism Projects
Mr. Dhami also reiterated the state’s request for approval of the Haldwani Zoo Safari Project and the Snow Leopard Conservation Centre in Uttarkashi, stating these projects are crucial for tourism and wildlife conservation.
Forest Minister Mr. Subodh Uniyal praised the department’s efforts in hosting the national event during Uttarakhand’s silver jubilee year. The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of Rajya Sabha MPs, MLAs, top forest officers, and senior bureaucrats.
On Day 1, Chhattisgarh topped the medal tally with four golds, followed by Kerala and Karnataka with one gold each.
WII Celebrates Its Own Champion
Adding to the excitement, the Wildlife Institute of India celebrated a proud moment as Anubhuti bagged a silver medal in the Lawn Tennis Women’s Open category. WII shared the achievement on social media, celebrating the growing sports spirit within India’s conservation community.
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