Dimapur and Niuland District U-14 Sepaktakraw Tournament Concludes

Dimapur, September 20 (MExN): The Dimapur and Niuland District U-14 Catch Them Young Sepaktakraw Tournament 2025 concluded on September 20 at Grace Academy, Dimapur. The two-day competition began on September 19 and saw the participation of 11 schools from Dimapur and two schools from Niuland under the All Nagaland Private Schools’ Association (ANPSA), Dimapur Unit, in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources and Sports.

Organisers stated that the tournament was held with the vision of providing young athletes an opportunity to showcase their skills while promoting teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship. The event also focused on the development of values and a sporting culture among students.

The opening ceremony was graced by Ketoulhou Sekhose, General Secretary, ANPSA Dimapur, who delivered the welcome address, while Rev. Fr. Renthungo N Odyuo, Vice President, ANPSA Dimapur, officiated the kick-off as Special Guest. Dr. Sentisangla, Joint Secretary, ANPSA Dimapur, chaired the programme and Sr. Matilda Cutinha, Principal of Assisi Higher Secondary School, led the gathering in prayer. Asito Peseyie, Sports Secretary, ANPSA Dimapur, administered the oath to the participants, encouraging them to uphold integrity and fair play.

In his address, Ketoulhou Sekhose highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent through sports. He stated that such platforms “not only shape character but also open avenues for growth and excellence.”

The closing ceremony on September 20 was chaired by B.P. Sharma, Treasurer, ANPSA Dimapur. It featured words of encouragement from Nini Sekhose, President, ANPSA Central, who praised the tournament for creating a platform for young talents to shine. Trevor Jamir, Proprietor of Lorna’s Higher Secondary School, led the opening prayer while Bithungo Kikon, President, ANPSA Dimapur, delivered the vote of thanks. He especially thanked the Department of Youth Resources and Sports for providing an opportunity to private school students. Kikon also announced that ANPSA Dimapur will celebrate 25 years of its Annual Sports in 2026, for which a series of tournaments in different disciplines will be organised. The final match was kicked off by Fr. Bryan Antony D’Souza, Headmaster of Genesia School, Kuhoboto.

In the Boys Category (Dimapur), Greenwood School secured first place followed by St. Thomas Higher Secondary School. In the Girls Category (Dimapur), Lorna’s Higher Secondary School emerged champions, with St. Thomas Higher Secondary School as runners-up.

In the Boys Category (Niuland), Genesia School took first place followed by Shepherd School. In the Girls Category, Genesia School emerged champions while Shepherd School secured second place. Holy Cross Higher Secondary School was recognised with the Best Discipline Award.

The champions, along with the first and second runners-up from Dimapur and the winning team from Niuland, will now advance to the State Level Tournament in Kohima on October 13 and 14 at IG Stadium.

The tournament concluded on a high note, celebrating not only the thrill of victory but also the unity, talent and determination of the young athletes, offering a promising glimpse of the future of Sepaktakraw in Nagaland.