Hekani Jakhalu during the 1st Open Futsal Tournament organised Western Sumi Sports Association (WSSA) was held at Junkyard Turf, Padumpukhuri, Dimapur on September 22 and 23. (Photo Courtesy: WSSA)
Dimapur, September 25 (MExN): 1st Open Futsal Tournament organised Western Sumi Sports Association (WSSA) was held at Junkyard Turf, Padumpukhuri, Dimapur on September 22 and 23 with Hekani Jakhalu, Founder & Chair YouthNet, Nari Shakti Awardee as the special guest.
Proper 5 won the tournament and received Rs 1 lakh followed by Native Feathers as the runner up who won Rs 50,000. Khaozang from the winning team won the Best Goalkeeper title and received Rs 5000.
A press release issued by the WSSA Media Cell stated that in her speech, Jakhalu said, “for a community to grow our focus should be the youth, as they will one day grow to take leadership role to lead the society.”
She said sports help build leadership skills in terms of organizing capacities, team work, better communication skills, help to focus which is critical in capacity building of a child, now with the coach training programme under WSSA by Bhaichung and Renedy, “Western Sumi’s in the field of football have an assured future.”
For any progressive growth in the society, she asserted, “unity and collective support were the most critical ingredients and it was time to shunt tribalism and hatred in Naga society if we wish to enter into a new Nagaland of growth and prosperity.”
WSSA President, Vikuto Zhimo in the welcome address stated that the main theme of the tournament was to instil hope, foster a positive mindset and connect with the western Sumi community especially through sports.
In a short speech, Isawoto Zhimomi, Head GB, advisor WSSA stated that with the vision plan of Under-14 category for the Western Sumis, initiated by Jakhalu, who has done it with actions, indicates her leadership and concerns for WSSA and expressed hope that through initiative, children will now perform well to bring laurels to the Sumi community and Nagas in general.
He also expressed gratitude to the family’s Global Network Group for the construction-in-progress of an international size football ground and the first basketball court for Ato Area Sports Association at Nihokhu village and the establishment of Atoqa Tea Factory, the first in Dimapur region, for enhancing the local economy of the area and with Tea tourism.
Mughato Sumi, Sports Director, WSSA/DDFA requested the special guest to support the players and also future sports infrastructure and added that “it was time for the youth to support her leadership to make their vision into a reality of growth.”
In the tournament semi finals, the match patron was Tokuho Suhoi Neho, Hd GB, President BJP Dimapur district and the guest of honour was Ninoto Awomi, former president NSF.
