Vilelie inaugurates 53rd SASA meet

Kigwema tops medals tally on Day-I Principal Correspondent Kohima, January 27 The five-day long 53rd Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA) Meet commenced today with Class-I Contractor Vilelie Khamo gracing the inaugural function as the patron at Jakhama Local Ground. Addressing the competitors, Vilelie Khamo called upon the sports persons to have strong determination, saying that as long as they believe in themselves, they can make it to the top.Khamo also challenged the youth to give their best effort and bring glory and fame to the community. He said SASA has entered into 53 years of its existence, so it must prove its maturity by striving hard to continue to excel in the field of games and sports. Khamo also lauded the pioneers for giving birth to SASA to promote peace, friendship and harmony through platform of sports in the southern Angami area. He further challenged the people to have a positive attitude and to move forward with vision to have a progressive society. Chaired by SASA general secretary Vilekho Bio the inaugural function commenced with Pastor of Jakhama Baptist Church Rev. Zapovil Sophie pronouncing the invocation while SASA president Er. Zale Neikha delivered the welcome address. SASA tournament Director Metekhrielie Mejura administered oath to the participating teams. AIGP (Ops) V. Z. Angami will kick off the football and volleyball for men and women as the patron on January 29 while local MLA Kropol Vitsu will also grace valedictory function as patron on January 31. Over 700 sportspersons and officials from 12 villages under Southern Angami region, excluding Mitelephe village, are competing in different events of athletics, volleyball and football. While athletics are being played at Jakhama ground, football will be played at Kimipfüphe Ground Kigwema. At the end of the first day which was marked by athletics events, Kigwema village with 11 medals, which include 6 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze are on the top of the medal tally while Kezoma, Kezo Basa, Kezo Town and Sakhabama are yet to open their account.