Indigenous game of Southern Angamis ‘Pcheda’ draws huge participants

 

Viswema | January 5 : The need to popularize Pcheda- an indigenous game of Southern Angamis has been strongly felt at the Ist Open Pcheda Competition 2011 held here today under the aegis of Tragopan Club Viswema.
Er. Toba Khatso, president, Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA) asserted that Pcheda is nothing less than any other games and sports, saying “It is a gentleman game.”
“It is a game of technique and muscle reflex,” Er. Khatso said while gracing the opening ceremony as the chief guest. Pcheda is a game where one slide a dried bamboo stick through a platform on solid mud and the furthest fly is adjudged as winner. Stressing on the need to popularize this indigenous game, he lauded the organizer for initiating open competition and further stated that it should not end from here but effort be made for its further growth. He maintained that Pcheda has potential to get recognition not only at the state and national level but also at the international level. Towards this, he called for a concerted effort to take this indigenous game forward and gets due recognition at the higher level. He also challenged the gathering to come forward and face the various challenges ahead. Also speaking on the occasion, Er. Mezakrol Rhütso, Chief Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control also stressed on the need to popularize Pcheda and at the same time challenged the people to strive to bring this indigenous game to a lengthier and greater limelight.
Held at Phuzwü, R. Khel, Viswema village, the open competition draws around 100 participants. The winner of Ist Pcheda open competition 2011 carries Rs 10,000 (First), Rs7000 (2nd) and Rs 5000 (3rd).