7th Nagaland Open Pcheda, 1st Torü Ke – Rha championships held

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 8 (EMN): The 7th Nagaland Open Pcheda Championship and 1st Torü Ke – Rha championship organised by the Tragopan Club, Viswema (TCV) was held at Viswema in Kohima district on Saturday.

Those Kraho, president of Southern Angami Cultural Society, who was the special guest stated that by preserving indigenous games which are passed on to the present generation, identity and roots of the people remain intact.

Cautioning that traditions and culture of people are vanishing with the fast changing world, he emphasised on the need to preserve the rich heritage and reminded on the necessity to protect, preseve and promote what has been passed on.

‘Traditional practices and cultures were transmitted to us by our forefathers which were neither bought with money nor from any foreigner’, Kraho said.

Highlighting about the value, uniqueness and speciality of “Pcheda”, he stressed on the need to promote the indigenous game in the country and beyond. Kraho also appreciated the initiative taken by TCV in organising the first “Torü Ke – Rha” for womenfolk alongside the open Pcheda, a game which menfolk enjoyed in the village.

In the Pcheda competition, Tosovil Neikha received INR 15,000 after emerging as the champion while second place Merihol Kin received INR 10,000. Kelengoto Naleo and Vivohoto Sothu received INR 7,000 and INR 5,000 as the third and fourth.

Metol Neikha was declared as the best player while “Phekho award” was handed over to both Neisal Theyo and Rusuwuvil Sothu. All the three players received INR 1000 each.

In the Torü Ke – Rha competition, Zheri Khel became the winner and received INR 7,000 while Pavo Khel received INR 5,000 as the runner-up.

Rachü Khel and Kirha Khel shared the third position. Both were awarded with INR 3000 each. Novinü Keso of Zheri Khel won the best player award and received INR 1000.

All the players and teams also participated in a lucky draw for a pig head.

72 participants took part in the Pcheda competition while ten players each from each khel of Viswema competed in Torü Ke-Rha.

It was also informed that the Torü Ke-Rha would be conducted as an open event competition in the coming days though it was confined only to the four khels of Viswema this time with its introduction.