Roko Angami and others with the finalists of Men’s football on January 30 at Meriema. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 30
The 66th Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA) Meet 2025 wrapped up today at the Meriema Village Ground after a three-day event. The closing ceremony was attended by former international footballer Roko Angami, who serves as the OSD (Sports) for the Youth Resources & Sports Department of the Government of Nagaland. Angami, the guest of honor, expressed his admiration for the state government’s commitment to advancing the Naga youth in sports and music under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. He praised the government’s youth-friendly policies and the opportunities created for young people to hone their skills and become valuable contributors to society.
Angami emphasized the growing significance of sports as a lucrative industry and urged the youth to take it seriously, not only for the fame it brings but also for the potential to earn. He stressed that success in the competitive world of sports is achieved through hard work and dedication. He encouraged the athletes from the Northern Angami area to give their best and excel, while also reminding them of the importance of patience and mental strength in overcoming challenges.
In his address, Northern Angami Youth Organisation (NAYO) president Khrievolie Zhale highlighted how sports bring people together, fostering understanding across different backgrounds. He called on NASA to continue strengthening the unity among the Northern Angami community through the sports platform.
The closing ceremony also included a variety of performances, including a special number by Thejasenuo Kire, and a prayer for blessings by Rev. Thepfiisalhou Khoubve, pastor of Zhadima Bawe AG Church. The event concluded with “The Closing Bash,” featuring performances by Mengu Suokhrie, Asenuo Metha, and Mhasizolie Metsieo. The current NASA team will continue to serve until 2026.
In terms of the results, NASA-A emerged as the overall champion with a total of 18 gold, 11 silver, and 5 bronze medals. Other notable performances included NAYSA-C, which secured 4 gold, 2 silver, and 9 bronze medals, and NASA-B, which earned 3 gold, 11 silver, and 7 bronze medals. NAYSA-D rounded out the top teams with 2 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze.
In the individual events, NAYSA-D claimed the championship in Women’s Sepak Takraw, with NASA-B finishing as runners-up. NASA-A emerged as champions in Men’s Sepak Takraw, while NASA-B was the runner-up. NAYSA-D also triumphed in Women’s Volleyball, with NASA-A as the runner-up, while NAYSA-C clinched the Men’s Volleyball title, leaving NASA-A as the second-best. In the football competitions, NAYSA-C won the Men’s Football championship, with NASA-B as runners-up, while NAYSA-C also claimed the Women’s Football title, with NAYSA-D finishing in second place.
The best players of each category were also recognized. Keneilhousienuo Pienyü of NASA-B was named Best Player in Women’s Sepak Takraw, while Ruokuozelie Suohu of NASA-A earned the honor in Men’s Sepak Takraw. Neikesonuo Belho of NASA-A was named Best Player in Women’s Volleyball, and Petekhrietuo Üsou of NAYSA-C took the Best Player award in Men’s Volleyball.
Vizotuonuo Üsou of NAYSA-C was recognized as the Best Player in Women’s Football, while Kevineizo Tsira of NASA-B earned the title of Best Player in Men’s Football.
