Nagaland hosts DTO course to elevate athletics officiating standards

The Nagaland Athletics Association (NAA), in collaboration with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), has commenced the District Technical Official (DTO) Course from May 12 to 14 at Pilgrim Higher Secondary, Dimapur. With 82 participants enrolled, the programme aims to enhance the expertise of technical officials in athletics competitions across India.

In a press release, NAA through its media cell informed that the DTO course, regarded as one of AFI’s most crucial grassroots initiatives, offers untrained officials certification and training to ensure high standards in sports officiating. This marks the third time AFI has conducted such a technical course in Nagaland, reflecting the commitment to professional development in the region.

The event was inaugurated by vice president of AFI and president of NAA, Abu Metha, who emphasized the vital role of technical officials in advancing athletics. He expressed gratitude to AFI for its continued support and noted that certified officials from Nagaland are now gaining opportunities to officiate at regional and national competitions. Metha also assured that similar courses would be organized in the future, encouraging participants to remain engaged and committed.

Leading the course as the resource person is Shambhudas Bandopadhyay, a World Athletics Silver Level Referee, AFI Technical Delegate, and member of the Technical Committee. In his address, Bandopadhyay extended his appreciation to AFI and NAA for hosting the programme.

The opening session was chaired by NAA treasurer Neingulie Nakhro, with an invocation led by Chaplain of Pilgrim Higher Secondary, Akito.