State-Level Inter High School Sepaktakraw Tournament underway

KOHIMA — A State-Level Inter High School Sepaktakraw Tournament organised by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (YRO) is currently underway at Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS) in Kohima.

Speaking during the inaugural programme on Tuesday, P. Tokugha Achumi, Vice-President of the Nagaland Sepaktakraw Association (NSA), exhorted the players to give their best efforts to excel in the sport, adding that there is significant potential in Sepaktakraw.

He emphasised the need to focus on the areas where the players from the state are excelling, pointing out that five girls from the state have participated in the Asian championship, and even this year, two have represented the country. He added that state youth have the potential to excel. Achumi informed that the state players have participated in 18 championships at national and international events and have won 46 national medals.

Additionally, ten players have also secured their employment in Nagaland Armed Police (NAP), Sports Authority of India (SAI), Youth Resources and Sport (YRS), Khelo India and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), as a result of their performance.

Achumi said that the state has already hosted two-national championships –Junior in 2009 and Senior 2013. During the last championship held in the state the Sepaktakraw Federation of India observed that the state has the ability and potential to event host international championships, he maintained, adding that it was an encouragement for the state association.

The vice-president informed that the association is looking to host more national and even international championships based on the assurance of assistance from the Sepaktakraw Federation of India.

Further, he informed that NSA is on the right track, adding that the YRS department is supportive, while expressing confidence in the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) and state government.

Meanwhile, Kethosituo Sekhose, Director of YRS informed that participants from all the districts of Nagaland, selected from the best schools are representing their particular districts. However, the Noklak women team and Tseminyu could not participate.

It was informed that about 150 athletes are taking part in the two-day event in the league matches.

Sekhose observed that Sepaktakraw is a good and highly engaging game that can be played and excelled in easily, even in limited spaces. He noted that two girls from the Sports Academy in Dimapur, with a focus on Sepaktakraw, have already participated in the Asian Games, representing the Indian team. Additionally, five players have competed for India in the Asian Games.

The director said, “Nagaland being a hilly state, there are very few big spaces for sporting activities. However, these games can be played anywhere in a school hall, Village community hall etc. Therefore, we are promoting this game.” He went on to add that the organisation such as this will enable players from the state to shine in the national and international arena.

He informed that the government of the day under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is encouraging development of multidisciplinary prefabricated halls in all the districts where various sports can be played.

Earlier, Keyonu Pucho administered the oath of administration to the player teams.

The tournament will culminate on October 18 with Advisor YRS Keoshu Yimkhiung as the special guest for the closing ceremony.

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