State level Sepaktakraw tournament begins in Kohima

Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 17

A two-day long state level inter high school tournament in the discipline of Sepaktakraw commenced today under the aegis of the Department of Youth Resources & Sports at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Nagaland Sepaktakraw Association (NSA) Vice President, P Tokugha Achumi challenged the participants to give their best to excel in the field of Sepaktakraw. There is a huge scope in Sepaktakraw, he said, adding that Naga youth have potential to excel in the field of Sepaktakraw.

Five girls from the state have already participated in the Asian championship and even this year, two represented the country. The state players have participated in 18 championships at national and international events and won 46 medals so far, he said.

Ten Sepaktakraw players from the state already got job in Nagaland Armed Police (NAP), Sports Authority of India (SAI), Youth Resources & Sport (YRS), Khelo India and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

He said that state has already hosted two-national championship –Junior in 2009 and Senior 2013.

During the last championship held in Nagaland, the Indian Sepaktakraw Federation observed that the state have the ability to host even international championship, he said.

Nagaland Youth Resources & Sports Director, Kethosituo Sekhose said that 150 participants (both boys and girls) from all over Nagaland have registered for this state level high school tournament. Sekhose informed that the department has been organizing series of tournaments to promote sports and to identify the hidden talents of the Naga youth. “We are expecting that through this game (Sepaktakraw), the state can shine in the National and International arena,” he said.

Further, Sekhose informed that the government of the day under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is encouraging development of multidisciplinary prefabricated halls in all the districts to promote different sports discipline.

Earlier, Meyonu Pucho administered oath of to the participating teams.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Youth Resources & Sports Advisor S Keoshu Yimkhiung will grace the closing function on October 18 at 12:00 noon.