Er. Kropol Vitsu with SASA officials and others on day 1 of SASA 63rd games & sports meet at Jakhama on January 30. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 30
The 63rd Annual Games & Sports-cum-4th edition “Dziikou Cup” of the Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA) kicked off today at the Jakhama Local Ground, marking the beginning of a three-day sports extravaganza. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Er. Kropol Vitsu, Advisor of Prisons, Printing & Stationery, who encouraged the athletes to expand their focus beyond their local regions and pursue excellence in their respective sports. He urged the participants to treat sports as a serious endeavor and emphasized the importance of mastering techniques and strategies to excel at higher levels. Er. Vitsu also expressed hopes of seeing Southern Angami footballers make a significant impact in the Nagaland Super League and suggested that SASA incorporate indigenous games into its annual calendar to preserve and promote traditional sports.
Dr. Vimezo Kere, President of SASA, delivered the presidential address, while the event was chaired by Dr. Keneikhoto Yano, SASA Joint Secretary (Admin). The athletes took their oath to compete with integrity and sportsmanship, led by Visapa Yongo, SASA Secretary for Athletics, Games, and Sports. The competitions will take place not only at the Jakhama Local Ground but also at Kimipfiiphe Ground in Kigwema and the Multi-Purpose Hall in Tewetso-Ozwii, Sweba, and Viswema. The participating units, representing 13 Southern Angami villages, will compete in football, volleyball, and Sepaktakraw for the top honors.
On the opening day, the matches saw intense action across all sports. In men’s Sepaktakraw, Viswema Youth Organisation emerged as the group A winners, while Kigwema Youth Organisation finished as runners-up. In group B, Kidima Youth Organisation claimed the top spot, with Jakhama Youth Organisation finishing second. In the women’s Sepaktakraw competition, Kidima Youth Organisation topped the group, with Viswema and Kigwema Youth Organisations securing the first and second runners-up positions, respectively. Jakhama Youth Organisation came in third.
The men’s football competition, part of the Dziikou Cup, witnessed thrilling matches. Kidima Youth Organisation dominated Sakhabama, winning 12-0. Mima Youth Organisation triumphed over Jakhama by a spot-kick after both teams were tied at the end of the stipulated time. In the final match of the day, Khuzama Youth Organisation triumphed over Phesama Youth Organisation with a 3-0 victory.
The volleyball matches also provided great excitement. In the men’s volleyball pool A, Kigwema Youth Organisation won both their matches against Jakhama Youth Organisation and Kidima Youth Organisation in straight sets. In pool B, Mima Youth Organisation defeated Khuzama Youth Organisation in straight sets, while Khuzama won against Viswema in the same fashion.
Mima Youth Organisation later triumphed over Jakhama Youth Organisation in straight sets. Pool C saw Kezoma Urban Station Youth Organisation winning against Kezoma Youth Organisation and Kezo Basa Youth Organisation, both in straight sets. Kezoma Youth Organisation also won against Kezo Basa Youth Organisation in straight sets.
In women’s football, Mima Youth Organisation claimed a 3-0 victory over Phesama Youth Organisation, while Kidima Youth Organisation triumphed over Jakhama with a 2-0 scoreline. The third match saw Viswema Youth Organisation and Kigwema Youth Organisation locked in a tense tie-breaker after a goalless draw, with Viswema emerging victorious.
Women’s volleyball matches were equally exciting, with Kigwema Youth Organisation overcoming Kidima Youth Organisation in a deciding set. Kezoma Urban Station Youth Organisation defeated Jakhama Youth Organisation in straight sets, while Sakhabama Youth Organisation bested Viswema Youth Organisation in straight sets as well. Phesama Youth Organisation triumphed over Kezoma Urban Station Youth Organisation, and Mima Youth Organisation won against Kezoma Youth Organisation in a deciding set.
The competition continues tomorrow, with more exciting fixtures lined up for January 31. The closing ceremony will be held on February 1, with Kevithuto Sophie, Commissioner of Police Dimapur, gracing the occasion as the chief guest.
