Morung Express News
Kohima | January 5
Touted as one of the grandest sporting event in the State Capital, the Kohima Village Sports Association (KVSA) kick started its 62nd Meet on January 5 with Khriehu Liezietsu, Parliamentary Secretary, YRS, State Lotteries, MTF & Chairman DPDB Kohima as the Chief Guest.
The inaugural session began with the blessing and lighting of the KVSA Torch at Thevokemouzie by Rev. Fr. Visosie-o Solomon Vizo followed by the march-in of the contingent of four Khels namely Lhisemia, Tsütuonuomia, Dapfhütsumia and Pfuchatsumia.
A prayer was invoked by Neivizolie Chielie, Pastor KBK followed by the welcome address by Medovilhoulie Tseikha, Convenor, Organising committee who expressed hope that the Sports meet will foster integrity and unity among the different Khels of the village.
Echoing the same ideals, Ketounei Kire, President KVYO who delivered the Presidential address noted that with great vision and value assessment about the significance of sports in human civilization, the elders of the Kohima village started the KVSA meet.
With the main objective to connect and instill peace among the members of the village, Kire hoped that Kohima village will leave an exemplary mark to the rest of the people through the Sports meet. The KVSA Theme Song, ‘Kewhimia Geizo’ was presented by Kenei-ü Sachü, Pelevinuo Mechülho, Mezhülenuo Miachieo and Keneisedenuo Zatsu.
Basing his speech on Jesse Owen’s quote, “Friendship born on the field of athletic strife are the real gold of competition. Awards become corroded, friends gather no dust,” Khriehu Liezietsu acknowledged that the Sports meet is significant because it is a time where villagers bond through the various sports activities.
“This is a significant event for us. It is where our friends, our clans and our guests assemble,” Liezietsu noted further urging all the sportspersons to guide and inspire each other so that the event can pave way for younger generation to grow.
The Chief Guest also spoke on the growing influence and development of Sports and the employments opportunities it provides. With the increase in population and scarcity of government jobs, Liezietsu appealed the sportspersons to try and make a living out of Sports.
Citing the examples of how sportsperson earn in a day what an officer earn in year, the Parliamentary Secretary also pointed out India is also excelling with the introduction of sporting events such as the Indian Super League, Indian Super league etc.
Liezietsu encouraged the crowd gathered admitting that the village is developing in all fields be it music, art, sports, academics however the village should strive for excellence which is possible if given hardwork and determination.
Considered as one of the biggest village in Asia, the Kohima Village formed its village council in 1944. To foster and encourage the traditional bond of friendship, harmony and understanding among the four Khels, the village formed the Kohima village sports meet and till 1958, it conducted the meet.
The responsibilities of organizing the Meet was given to the youth in the village under the banner ‘Kohima Village Sports Association’ and today it is hosted alternately by the four Khels. The biennial Sports Meet however has been hosted by the Kohima Village Youth Organisation since 2014.
The Sports events for the first day included of 100 metres race, Discuss Throw, Shot put, 800 metres race, 200 metres race, Javelin, 1500 metres race 4x200 metres race (men), Broad Jump and 400 metres relay.
Medal Tally on Day I
Gold Silver Bronze
D.Khel 4 1 3
T.Khel 3 3 4
L.Khel 2 5 0
P.Khel 0 0 2
