PUGHOBOTO, Feb 1 (DIPR): With a view to explore the incredible cultural richness of indigenous sporting events and festivals around the world, BBC has been filming a documentary entitled ‘Last Man Standing’.
The documentary consists of 12 series and the 6th Series has been filmed at Shesulimi village, 20 Kms away from Pughoboto sub-division.
Kick fight, termed as Akikiti in Sumi dialect, was performed by Shesulimi villagers during the Ahuna festival last year at Dimapur. Impressed by the ‘Akikiti’ traditional sport, the BBC team decided to film their 6th episode at Shesulimi village, where six athletes from UK and USA and around 15 members from the BBC camped at Shesulimi village since mid-January this year. The six athletes learned the traditional sport from the local people of Shesulimi village and on the final day (January 30, 2007) a competition was held, where participants from neighboring villages and the six athletes took part in the fight consisting of 5 rounds.
Jason Benatt (Tokugha) from the US was adjudged the winner, while the 2nd position was bagged by Rajko (Kawoto) from the UK. They were given cash prizes of Rs. 20,000/- and Rs. 10,000/- respectively.
The people of Shesulimi village and particularly the village council, meanwhile, expresses their gratitude and showeres praises on former NSF President presently a public leader, Y Vikheho Swu for the personal initiatives taken by him and for benefiting the village folks through the exposure given to the remote village. Villagers also expressed happiness to the State Government and also the Youth Resources Department for the co-operation extended in this regard. Deputy Director, YR&S, Shihoke Sumi also attended the programme. Villagers from neighboring areas, both young and old, public leaders, GBs, village council members enjoyed witnessing the Akikiti competition.
