Anthony Ngullie, Kethosituo Sekhose and others during a press conference in Kohima on November 23. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 23
Nagaland is gearing up to host 68th National School Games in the discipline of Under-19 Girls Sepak Takraw from November 24 to 28 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Announcing this during a press conference here today, Nagaland’s Youth Resources & Sports Secretary Anthony Ngullie informed that the event will be held under the aegis of School Games Federation of India (SGFI) and managed by Department of Youth Resources & Sports Nagaland.
The event will feature 17 teams; Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Vidhya Bharati, Manipur, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Kerala, Delhi, Bihar, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Ngullie informed that this event marks the first time Nagaland will host the prestigious SGFI tournament.
“This is a significant milestone for us, and we are grateful to Chief Minister for his support in allowing us to host the tournament,” said Ngullie.
Ngullie said that some teams have already arrived today and are expecting all teams by November 24.
YR&S Director Kethosituo Sekhose expressed excitement, highlighting the potential for Nagaland’s players to be recognized on a national and international level.
“Our girls, particularly in Sepak Takraw, have shown immense promise, with four players already becoming regular members of the Indian team. This tournament will provide them with valuable exposure as we prepare for the upcoming National Games and potentially the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and even the Olympics,” Sekhose said.
The tournament will feature two main events- Regu and Doubles with 150 athletes and officials participating.
Although Sepak Takraw is still emerging in many parts of India, its popularity is gradually growing, and the SGFI recognizes Nagaland’s potential in the sport, he said.
The tournament will be played on league-cum- knock out system.
The inaugural ceremony will take place on November 25 at 1 PM with Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Vice President, Athletics Federation of India and Secretary General, Nagaland Olympic Association as the special guest.
S. Keoshu Yimkhiung, Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports will also deliver a short speech.
School Education & SCERT Advisor, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome will grace the closing ceremony on November 27.
