Medo Yhokha and others during the inaugural ceremony of the annual sports meet 2022 of Zhadima Village Youth & Sports Organization on January 3. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Zhadima | January 3
A week long annual sports meet 2022 of Zhadima Village Youth & Sports Organization (ZVYSO) got underway today at Zhadima village under Kohima district. This year’s meet is part of 60th year anniversary of ZVYSO.
Gracing the inaugural function as the chief guest, Medo Yhokha, advisor technical education and election, Nagaland urged upon the youth to stop basking on the past glory and strive for excellence in the different fields.
He asserted that it is not a time for the youth to remain idle but to exercise their strength and talents with utmost sincerity and dedication to cope with the competitive world.
Yhokha also informed that the state government under the chief minister Neiphiu Rio is committed to take the talented Naga youth forward in the field of sports.
In this, he said that the government has been putting its best effort by a framing a comprehensive sports policy and sports infrastructure put in place across the state.
Yhokha called upon the youth to take advantage of the provided facilities/opportunities and strive to bring laurel and fame not only to themselves but to the community as a whole.
Further, he made a fervent appeal to the people to put a collective effort and maximize their efforts towards conservation of environment and wild life.
Climate change has become a reality now, he said and called upon the people not to wait solution from outsiders but to responsibly apply their minds, act upon and create congenial atmosphere to live in.
‘Adopt a healthy way of life’
Gracing the Naga wrestling final ceremony as the special guest, Kuolie Mere, Deputy Director IPR & senior PRO Nagaland House, New Delhi, shared about how the traditional sport has been played since ancient times to peacefully settle disputes.
He told the village community how the indigenous sport is meant to identify the strength of a man and aid in bonding among players even as players grapple and try to topple one another to claim victory.
As the ZVYSO observes its 60th annual sports meet, he encouraged sportspersons to do their best in every sport they play and to adopt a healthy way of life as good sportspersons become role models and leaders in the society.
As Nagaland is set to host the South Asian Cross Country championship this month, he shared about how with the changing times, opportunities are now coming to the people of the state to compete with the rest of the world.
As more of such opportunities are likely to create in the state, he advised sportspersons to seize such opportunities to shine and glorify the state and the nation.
Further, he challenged the youth to learn about their history and take part in preserving the rich tradition of the community and the Nagas.
With the advancement of technology, he advised the youth to use technology as a weapon for productivity rather than utilizing it to kill productivity.
‘Reason together, celebrate talent, vigor of the youth’
Earlier, ZVYSO president Vizosielie Khoubve urged the 11 participating teams to showcase good sportsmanship spirit and also take this sports meet as an opportune platform to reason together and celebrate the talent and vigor of the youth.
Zhadima has around 6000 population with 900 households at present.
Zhadima Students’ Union president Kevingulie Soliezuo also shared greetings. Bright Morning Star Children’s Home Kohima and Ruokuophrenuo Khoubve presented special numbers.
ZVYSO games & sports secretary Keneisetuo Soriinuo administered oath to the participating teams.
ZVYSO advisor Thepfulie Theiinuo and Ketuolhoulie Kuotsu chaired the inaugural and wrestling final ceremony respectively. The comperes included; Vibeizolie Metsieo, Medolenuo Loucii and Visielie Sanchu. Roko Angami assisted the wrestling event as chief judge.
The meet, to continue till January 8, will be marked by athletics, indigenous games, volleyball, badminton, table tennis and football.
Dr Kevizakie Rio, joint mission director, Samagra Shiksha, School education department Nagaland will be the guest of honour at the valedictory function on January 8.
Naga wrestling winners
Champion: Kevimezo Loucü of Kimho Khel-I (Rs. 25,000)
2nd position: Kevizetuo Metsieo of Basa Khel (Rs. 15,000)
Junior category
1st: Menuolelie Chüpuo of Basa Khel (Rs 10,000)
2nd: Petekhriezo Chüpuo of Phelhouzou Khel (Rs. 7,000)
