Overall champion Tsütuonuomia Thinuo with dignitaries on January 16. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | January 16
Tsütuonuomia Thinuo emerged the overall champion of the weeklong 67th Kohima Village Sports Association (KVSA) Meet 2026, which concluded on Friday at Khuochizie (Kohima Local Ground) here under the aegis of the Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO).
The overall champion trophy was handed over to Tsütuonuomia Thinuo by MLA Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, who graced the closing ceremony as the guest of honour.
The meet, held from January 10 to 16, saw Tsütuonuomia Thinuo top the medal tally with a total of 50 medals, including 22 gold, 22 silver and six bronze.
Pfuchatsumia Thinuo finished second with 14 gold, nine silver and seven bronze medals, followed by Dapfhütsumia Thinuo with nine gold, seven silver and nine bronze medals, while Lhisemia Thinuo secured eight gold, 16 silver and five bronze medals.
Lhisemia Thinuo emerged as the Games Team Champion, while Tsütuonuomia Thinuo bagged the Athletic Team Champion title.
Neiketoulie Belho and Rüduolhounuo Belho, both from Tsütuonuomia Thinuo, were adjudged Best Athlete (Men) and Best Athlete (Women), respectively. Neiketoulie Belho won four gold and one silver medal, while Rüduolhounuo Belho secured three gold and one silver medal during the meet.
In the men’s cross country race, Kevise Belho of Tsütuonuomia Thinuo won the gold medal, while Kezhakhrietuo Mere and Lhouvisalie Mere, both from Pfuchatsumia Thinuo, claimed silver and bronze, respectively.
In the women’s cross country race, Lhouvisanuo Keyho of Tsütuonuomia Thinuo bagged the gold, followed by Neikesanuo Belho of Tsütuonuomia Thinuo with silver and Khriezelhounuo Keyho of Pfuchatsumia Thinuo with bronze.
The women’s cross country team championship was won by the team comprising Khriezelhounuo Keyho, Lhouvovinuo Keyho, Kekhriesinuo Rame and Kekhrielebei-ü Rutsa, while the team of Neikesonuo Belho, Menenuo Belho, Rüduolhounuo Belho and Kenyisenuo Belho finished runners-up.
In the men’s category, the cross country team championship was clinched by Kezhakhrietuo Mere, Lhouvisalie Mere, Thepfudilhou Mere and Thejakhrielie Mechülho, with the team of Kevise Belho, Thejalhoulie Suohu, Nounengulie Solo and Zakieneilie Solo finishing runners-up.
Meanwhile, Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü of Dapfhütsumia Thinuo emerged the wrestling champion and pocketed a cash prize of Rs 60,000. Menuosietuo Yiese, also from Dapfhütsumia Thinuo, secured second position and received Rs 40,000.
Shürhongu Kire and Khriekethozo Keretsü, both from Dapfhütsumia Thinuo, finished third and fourth, respectively, and were awarded Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000.
In the wrestling team event, Dapfhütsumia Thinuo emerged as the group champion and received Rs 30,000, while Pfuchatsumia Thinuo finished runners-up and were awarded Rs 20,000. The wrestling team prizes were handed over by Pele Khezhie, president of the Nagaland Taekwondo Association.
Earlier, KVYO wrestling secretary Pfulikhrie Keretsü administered the oath to the wrestlers. The vote of thanks was proposed by KVYO Games and Sports Secretary Viliebeizo Liezietsu.
Addressing the wrestling event, MLA Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso stressed the need to promote unity, harmony and build new relationships. He said belt wrestling has opened doors to a wider platform and is set to be introduced in the Olympics, enabling local players to participate at the national and international levels.
Highlighting the presence of talented sportspersons in the state, he said sporting opportunities could help youths earn their livelihood. Referring to educated and unemployed youths, Dr Rhütso said that through sporting talent, many could find sustainable livelihood opportunities.
He also stated that Kohima Village, as the state capital, should lead by example and refrain from giving opportunities to illegal immigrants. He further encouraged the people to live in harmony and set a positive example for others.
