Men’s football champion Natha New Village team along with ZASA officials in Zunheboto on January 17.
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | January 17
The 38th edition of the Zunheboto Area Sports Association (ZASA) Kukami Trophy concluded at the District Sports Complex Ground, Zunheboto on January 17.
Class I contractor Ngukato K Yeptho, who graced the closing programme as the guest of honour, described the Kukami Trophy as a chieftain’s trophy and highlighted its motto, “Friendship through Sports.”
Yeptho asserted that success in life is not limited to sportspersons or educated individuals alone, noting that times have changed drastically, adding that sports today offer numerous opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
Reflecting on the past, he maintained that earlier generations did not accord much importance to sports as it was not considered a viable means of livelihood. However, he emphasised that sports now play a vital role in building discipline, character, strength and patience. He also remarked that an athlete represents not only oneself but also one’s people, district and the state.
Highlighting the growing opportunities in the sporting sector, he referred to platforms such as the Nagaland Olympics and Paralympics and urged youth to identify their talents and pursue their goals with perseverance.
Citing the example of Hokato Hotozhe Sema, born on December 24, 1983, an Indian para-athlete from Nagaland and a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army, Yeptho said Sema, who lost his foot in 2002, went on to compete in the men’s shot put F57 event, represented India at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris and won a bronze medal.
Likewise, he encouraged athletes to overcome obstacles with patience and determination and to remain committed to their chosen paths.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by ZASA Games and Sports Secretary Kitoka Zhimo. The invocation was pronounced by Ayetoli Awomi, APY, Lochomi Baptist Church, while a special song was presented by Tunapu Yeptho. The vote of thanks was delivered by ZASA vice-president Kipito Achumi, and the benediction was pronounced by Toluho Chophy, APY, Baimho Baptist Church.
In the sports results, Natha New Village won the men’s football championship, with Natha Old Village finishing runners-up. Yemishe Village emerged champions in women’s volleyball, while Asukho A Village were runners-up. In men’s volleyball, Sheyipu Village clinched the title, with Yezami Village finishing runners-up.
