Players in action during the first Noklak district Sepaktakraw tournament held at the Public Ground in Noklak on September 7. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Noklak | September 7
The first district-level inter-school Sepaktakraw Tournament 2026 was held at the Public Ground in Noklak on Monday, with Holy Angels School emerging as the champion.
The tournament was organised by the All Nagaland Private Schools Association (ANPSA), Noklak Unit, in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources and Sports under the theme, “Unity Through Sport: Reviving the Traditional Kick.”
Holy Angels School will represent Noklak district at the state-level Sepaktakraw tournament.
Three schools — Holy Angels School, St Paul School and Christian Higher Secondary School, all from Noklak — participated in the tournament.
Addressing the students, Khiamniungan Students’ Union, Noklak, president Shangchiu said sports had the power to inspire and unite people and create hope where there was once despair.
He stressed the importance of fair play and good sportsmanship, saying sports provided opportunities without discrimination. He encouraged the students to overcome personal challenges before seeking to bring about change in others.
Shangchiu subsequently kicked off the tournament.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, ANPSA Noklak Unit president P Chongtin said the unit was newly formed this year and affiliated to the ANPSA Central. She said Noklak’s geographical distance from the rest of Nagaland made the tournament the first of its kind in the district and expressed hope that it would encourage youths to pursue sports.
Chongtin said there were 11 schools under the ANPSA Noklak Unit, but only three participated in the tournament.
“We were initially looking forward to having more schools from outside the town, but due to road conditions they could not take part,” she said, adding that it was encouraging to witness the first such tournament in the district.
Longshen, a member of the Holy Angels School team, shared his experience, saying it was his first tournament and that he had been weak during practice.
“I tried my best, and now we have had a lot of fun and won the game. Now, the team will prepare for the state-level tournament and we are excited,” he said.
Other highlights of the programme included a welcome address by Chongtin, a special presentation by Jesham K of Christian Higher Secondary School and administration of the oath by Suko Khiam, Assistant Teacher, St Paul School, Noklak.
The programme was chaired by Asoni of St Paul School, Noklak. The invocation was offered by Tiajungba Ao, Pastor, Ao Baptist Church, Noklak, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Fr John, Vice-President, ANPSA Noklak Unit.
