16th Sümi Hoho Trophy underway in Zunheboto

Morung Express News
Zunheboto | October 21

The 16th Sümi Hoho Trophy, organised by the Sümi Games and Sports Association (SGSA), got underway at the District Sports Complex in Zunheboto on October 20, with leaders calling for unity, improved sports infrastructure and greater opportunities for talented youth.

The tournament, hosted by the Zunheboto Area Sports Association (ZASA), will continue until October 30. It features football, men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s badminton singles and doubles, women’s futsal, and men’s and women’s cross-country races. The event provides a platform for athletes from different Sümi areas to compete and showcase their talents.

Addressing the inaugural programme as chief guest, G Ikuto Zhimomi, Advisor for Land Resources, stressed the importance of public cooperation in bringing development to Sümi areas. He observed that although Zunheboto is the headquarters of the Sümi tribe, development initiatives require the support and participation of the public and other stakeholders.

He cautioned that the government would face difficulties in initiating development projects in the district without public cooperation. Emphasising the interconnectedness of the Sümi community with other tribes and districts, he urged people to maintain peace, harmony and mutual understanding.

Zhimomi also urged the SGSA to preserve the tournament’s identity by continuing to organise it under the name Sümi Hoho Trophy. He stressed the need for unity within the association and said sports development must begin at the grassroots level. He added that sporting achievements could bring laurels not only to the district but also to the state and the nation.

Chief host K Tokugha Sukhalu, Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection, and Chairman of the Urban Local Bodies and Village Council Committee, highlighted the need for adequate sports infrastructure in Zunheboto.

He expressed optimism that a proper football ground would soon be made available in the district and stressed that the attitude of landowners was crucial to development. He urged stakeholders to extend their cooperation and support, adding that the community needed to be more receptive to development initiatives.

Sukhalu noted that the SGSA had been organising the tournament for 16 years and said the association needed to reassess its resources to sustain and expand its activities. He observed that although the district had many talented young people, inadequate facilities and limited opportunities continued to restrict their potential.

Stating that the government could not provide jobs to everyone, he called for greater attention to Zunheboto, urging that the district not be neglected and that people across different areas be treated equally.

Delivering the greetings message, Akükau Hetoho S Zhimomi, president of the Sümi Kukami Hoho, called for unity, cooperation and collective support for the successful conduct of the tournament. He also advocated the establishment of a turf ground in Zunheboto to encourage young people and promote sporting activities.

In his presidential address, SGSA president Iloka K Shohe outlined the association’s objectives and future plans, including providing players with opportunities for exposure outside the region so they could represent the community at different levels.

He said 17 SGSA-affiliated sub-units were participating in the tournament. Shohe also stated that the association planned to introduce additional games and sporting activities in the coming years to broaden opportunities for athletes.

The inaugural programme began with an invocation prayer by Dr Hutton Sumi, pastor of SBCZ, followed by an opening ceremony conducted by Cornerstone Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto.

Kakugha S Rotokha, convenor of the Local Organising Committee, delivered the welcome address, while Woodland Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto, presented a special number. The athletes’ oath was administered by Kivilu K Kiba, Games Secretary of the SGSA.

In the opening men’s football match, Zunheboto Area Sports Association and Satakha Area Sports and Cultural Association shared honours after playing out a 1-1 draw. Tohito Yeptho scored for Zunheboto, while Vito Shohe found the net for Satakha. Neither side managed to score a winning goal.

Meanwhile, Kavi and Lini won the men’s and women’s 3-kilometre cross-country races organised as part of the tournament on October 20.

In the men’s category, Kavi secured first position, followed by Khenovi in second place and Abeto in third.

In the women’s category, Lini finished first, while Kivutuna secured second place and Akani I. Aye finished third.

The cross-country races were among the sporting activities held on the opening day of the tournament, which will conclude on October 30.