Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 19
Nagaland’s state archery coach Hünezo Thisa passed away today in Kohima. Till the time of his demise, Hünezo Thisa holds joint secretary Nagaland Archery Association, joint secretary Archery Association of India and Convenor Archery Association of India Athletes Committee.
In a send-off service held here today at Indira Gandhi Stadium, representative from Thenyizumi Union Kohima, Youth Resources & Sports department and Dr Chotisuh Sazo (on behalf of Phek District Archery Association spoke at the programme). Vekhoto Thisa and Vezokholü Thisa also spoke on behalf of the family.
Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima pastor Rev Vikuo Rhi led the service with Rev Dr Kevekhalo Lasuh, senior pastor CBCK as minister.
Prayer was led by CBCK pastor Rev Vezopa Rhakho.
Late Hünezo Thisa from Thenyizu village of Phek district, was a national record holder (Archery) and the first Naga to secured Gold in the field of Archery in the prestigious ‘National Games’ representing state.
He participated in the National and NE Archery Championships from 1988-2007.
A state archery coach by profession, he was recipient of ‘Sports Award 2009’, Govt of Nagaland, Department of Youth Resources & Sports and also recipient of Dr. T. Ao Sports Award, Govt of Nagaland.
He participated in the ‘Common Wealth Games 2010’, New Delhi as technical official.’
He also participated in the 12th South Asian Games 2016 as technical official. He participated in the London Olympic 2012 as department’s representative.
Representing as Indian team, he secured Bronze at Second federation Cup International Archery Competition 1991 and a record holder of National Games 1994 (Archery).
He won 4 Gold individual and 1 Silver (Champion) at VIII Sports Festival for NE Region 1994 (Archery), 3 Gold (Individual) and 3 Silver (Champion) at IX Sports Festival for NE Region 1995 (Archery).
In XXI NE Sports Festival 2007 (Archery), he secured 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze.
Archery Association of India condoles
Archery Association of India (AAI) president Arjun Munda, ex-Union minister in a condolence message stated “Hunezo Thisa was not only a dedicated office bearer of the AAI but also a front flag bearer of archery in Nagaland in his capacity as the State Coach in the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland.”
He was a proud recipient of the State Sports Awards. He was also an AAI National Judge and officiated at numerous national, state, and other competitions.
As an active Archer between 1988 and 2007, he competed in prestigious events such as the National Games, National Championship, North East Archery Championship, and various Sports Festivals.
“His unwavering dedication and relentless hard work were instrumental in elevating Nagaland Archery to the top level. He poured his heart and soul into nurturing talent, developing infrastructure, and promoting the spirit of archery within the state. His passion was infectious, inspiring countless individuals to take up the bow and arrow. We have lost a valuable colleague and a sincere friend,” Munda stated.
Nagaland Olympic Association condoles
The Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) has expressed its deepest condolences on the passing of Hünezo Thisa, Archery Coach under the Department of Youth Resources & Sports and a long-serving official of the Nagaland Archery Association.
Thisa, who served under the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, was among the first athletes from Nagaland to win a gold medal at the National Games, achieving the feat in 1994 in Maharashtra. He later went on to mentor a generation of athletes who represented the state at both national and regional competitions.
In the condolence message, the NOA described Thisa as a dedicated professional whose efforts played a significant role in the development of archery and sports in Nagaland. His leadership and commitment, the Association stated, have left a lasting impact on the sporting community.
