Guest of honour Akükau Phoishe T Zhimo, Project Director, RD Zunheboto, with SASCA officials and players of the Men’s Final Match. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Satakha | November 15
The 16th Satakha Area Sports and Cultural Association (SASCA) Tournament drew to a spirited close on November 15 at the Public Ground, Satakha, celebrating community bonding, athletic talent, and cultural expression. Akükau (GB) Phoishe T Zhimo, Project Director, RD Zunheboto, graced the valedictory function as the guest of honour.
The programme was led by comperes Hopito Jimo, General Secretary, SASCA, and Ilokali H Zhimomi. The event began with an invocation by Vinotoli Ashumi, Associate Pastor (Women), UBC Satakha, setting a solemn tone for the closing ceremony. Cultural richness marked the occasion with a special rendition, Azukupu Le, presented by Kivikhu Village, followed by an engaging presentation from Kanili Muru.
Addressing the gathering, Akükau Phoishe T Zhimo underscored the enduring values of discipline, sportsmanship and moral character that sports instil. Urging young participants not to fear failure, he invoked the example of Olympian PV Sindhu to highlight how perseverance and discipline shape champions. “Winning is momentary, but discipline stays with you,” he remarked.
He praised SASCA for its consistent efforts in nurturing unity and camaraderie across villages. “We are social beings; events like these bring us closer and remind us of the strength of our community,” he said. Encouraging youth to avoid intoxicants and to cultivate self-confidence, he emphasised that sports can provide meaningful opportunities even for individuals without formal academic backgrounds. “Not every team will win, but let this event define your character and discipline,” he added.
The final events added excitement to the closing day. In the Women’s Volleyball final, Shoipu clinched the championship title, with Hoishe finishing as runners-up.
The Men’s Football final between Xuivi and Hoishe Village proved to be the highlight of the tournament. The match ended in a tense 1–1 draw in regular time, followed by 30 minutes of extra play which kept the scoreboard unchanged at 2–2. The winner was ultimately decided via penalty shootout, where Hoishe edged past Xuivi after the latter missed the final spot kick. The match was officiated by the Zunheboto District Football Referee Association (ZDFRA).
During the closing ceremony, SASCA also announced its new team of office bearers for the 2026–2028 tenure: President: Er Beto T Jimo, General Secretary: Zakato Zhimo, Treasurer: Amento Zhimo, Games and Sports Secretary: Akivi Zhimo, Advisors: Kahuto Zhimo, Former President, SASCA; Akukau Yetovi Zhimo, Chairman, STKK, Banker: Boto V Swu, School Colony.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Akükau Vihuto Zhimo, followed by a benediction from Hotolu Katty, Pastor, STBC.
