NAYSA-D Presidential Trophy: Football, volleyball champions crowned

KOHIMA — Tuophema Village Youth and Sports Organisation (TVY&SO) clinched the football championship at the inaugural Northern Angami Youth and Sports Association – Group D (NAYSA-D) Presidential Trophy 2024.

The final was held at Botsa Ground in Kohima district, concluding a year-long sporting event.

In the men’s football final, TVY&SO defeated Seiyhama Village Youth and Sports Organisation (SVY&SO) by three goals. Tuophema received a cash prize of INR 1,00,000, while the runners-up, SVY&SO, were awarded INR 70,000.

In the women’s volleyball competition, SVY&SO claimed the title, defeating Botsa Village Youth & Sports Organisation. SVY&SO received INR 50,000, while the runners-up received INR 30,000.

MLA Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso attended the finale as the special guest and praised NAYSA-D for its initiative in organising the year-long tournament. He encouraged others to adopt similar programme to inspire youth.

Dr. Rhütso also highlighted the growing scope of non-traditional sports, such as shooting, table tennis, and archery, as viable career options. While lauding athletic pursuits, he stressed the importance of education and advised students and parents to embrace available opportunities.

He urged parents not to discourage their children from aspiring to government jobs due to a lack of political connections. Citing merit-based platforms like NSSB and NPSC, he assured them that hard work, sincerity, and dedication could lead to success.

The 1st Presidential Trophy 2024 began in February. It featured teams from 12 villages under NAYSA-D: Chiechama, Nachama, Seiyhama, Tuophema, Tsiemekhuma, Botsa, Gariphe Basa, Tuophe Phezou, Gariphema, Tsiemekhu Basa, Seiyha Phesa, and Teichüma.

The Kohima District Football Referee Association officiated the men’s football matches, while the NAYSA-D Referee Board handled the women’s volleyball games.

Awards

Women’s volleyball:

Best discipline team: Teichüma

Best setter: Keneikhrienuo Seyie (Botsa)

Best spiker: Medongunuo Thevo (Seiyhama)

Men’s football:

Player of the tournament: Kezhalelhou Metha (Seiyhama)

Best goalkeeper: Kevisilie Kense (Tuophema)

Highest scorer: Ketouzo Sopfünuo (11 goals, Seiyhama)

Best discipline team: Seiyhama