Our Correspondent
ZHADIMA, JANUARY 12
The 25th anniversary celebration of Northern Angami Sports Association Group ‘C’ commenced today at Zhadima Sports Complex under the theme “Commitment to Sports Excellence”.
Over 500 athletes from eleven villages under NASA Group-C are taking part in the four-day event which is being hosted by Zhadima Village Youth & Sports Organisation (ZVYSO). The villages are Meriema, Tsiesema, Tsiese Basa, Phekerkriema, Zhadima, Nerhema, Nerhe Model, Chüziema, Keviphe, Viphoma and Ziezou.
The inaugural function, which witnessed a grand ceremony, was graced by Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu, chairman, Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation, as the chief guest.
Speaking to a mammoth gathering present at the opening ceremony, Keditsu stated that “it’s time the Naga sportspersons should uplift their standard towards professionalism.”
“One-time season player won’t excel in sports. It’s time youngsters change their mindset towards becoming full time professional players,” the MLA said while he also advised them to maintain consistency and discipline, underlining it as the top-most priority to reach at the highest level of competition.Dr. Keditsu, who is a first timer as an MLA for the Northern Angami-II A/C, also assured to render assistance and support to those committed and dedicated players.
The welcome note was delivered by Roko Angami, convenor, organizing committee, while Chiephobozou Baptist Youth Department and Ruokuovotuo Pfusenuo & friends presented a special number. NASA-C presidential address was delivered by Kevipusa Kezieo, while Vitseizolie Sorünuo, president, ZVYSO delivered greetings. The oath of administration to the players was led by Zhabu Miario, wrestling secretary, NASA-C.
Earlier, the chief guest, on his arrival unveiled a monolith raised in commemoration of the 25th anniversary celebration. The monolith was dedicated by Thepfusalhou Khoubve, pastor, Assembly of God Church, Zhadi Bawe.
Day-one of the 25th anniversary celebration witnessed Naga wrestling, wherein, a total of 70 wrestlers are vying for the title. The silver jubilee celebration, led by Roko Angami as the convenor and Peter Kuotsu as the Master of ceremony, will also include games such as football (men & women), volleyball (men & women) and marathon race.
The marathon race will be held on January 13 at 6.30 am and will be flagged off by Neilalhoulie Soliezuo, additional director, Youth Resources & Sports, Government of Nagaland. The marathon, which will be made open for any age group, is sponsored by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS).
Apart from games and Naga wrestling, there will also be cultural and extempore nite on January 13 evening, followed by talent nite on December 14 evening.
The prize sponsors for Naga Wrestling are Kepel Keditsu, Proprietor, Apex Motors, Dimapur (1st prize), Er. Sobou Kerhü-o, executive engineer, Irrigation & Flood control, Nagaland, (2nd prize) and Neiketou Kiewhuo, SIS, Department of School education (3rd & 4th prizes).
The prizes for football is sponsored by Dr. Kezevituo Keditsu, managing director, Putuonuo Nursing Home, Kohima, and the prizes for volleyball is sponsored by Kevise Segotsu, president, Nagaland Timber Association.
The celebration will come to a close on January 15 with K.T. Vilie, chairman, Zhadima Village Council and vice president Angami Public Organisation as the guest of honour.
