Tsütuonuomia khel clinched the overall champion title at the 67th Kohima Village Sports Association meet 2026 held at Local Ground, Kohima.
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KOHIMA — Tsütuonuomia khel emerged as the overall champion of the week-long 67th edition of the Kohima Village Sports Association (KVSA) meet 2026, which concluded on Friday at the Local Ground, Kohima.
The meet, which began on January 10, was hosted by the Kohima Village Youth Organisation. Four khels — Dapfhütsumia (D) khel, Pfuchatsumia (P) khel, Tsütuonuomia (T) khel and Lhisemia (L) khel — took part in the event.
Tsütuonuomia khel secured a total of 50 medals, including 22 gold, 22 silver and six bronze. Pfuchatsumia khel finished second with 30 medals — 14 gold, nine silver and seven bronze.
Lhisemia khel was declared the team games champion after winning gold medals in basketball, cricket, football and volleyball in the men’s category. The athletic champion title was awarded to Tsütuonuomia khel.
Also read: Lhisemia, Tsütuonuomia khels win basketball titles at Kohima Village Sports Association Meet 2026
The best player (men) award went to Neiketoulie Belho of Tsütuonuomia khel, who won four gold and one silver medal, while the best player (women) award was given to Rüduolhounuo, also of Tsütuonuomia khel, who secured three gold and one silver medal. Both received INR 20,000 each.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Kohima MLA Tseilhoutuo Rhutso encouraged families, friends and neighbours to come together to share home-cooked food and strengthen unity, harmony and social bonds.
He said belt wrestling, among various sports disciplines, has opened doors to wider platforms, noting that it is set to be introduced at the Olympic level, which could allow local players to compete nationally and beyond. He also said opportunities are opening up for talented sportspersons to earn their livelihood through sports.
Rhutso further said that while many educated youths remain unemployed, sporting talent could provide alternative avenues for employment. He stressed that Kohima Village, as the state capital, should lead by example by not providing opportunities to illegal immigrants, warning that practices such as leasing properties, renting out taxis or two-wheelers, and handing over local permits could adversely affect employment prospects for Naga youth.
He urged the community to live in harmony and set a positive example for others.