5th Bishop Abraham Memorial Tournament kicks off

The 5th edition of the Bishop Abraham Memorial Tournament (BAMT) 2025 commenced on Tuesday at St. Joseph’s (Autonomous) College, Jakhama, drawing hundreds of Catholic youth from across Nagaland for a three-day volleyball event held under the theme “Run with Faith, Rise in Glory.”
The inaugural ceremony was graced by State Information Commissioner and Advisor to the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), Nosazol Charles, as the special guest, and Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, as the guest of honour. Addressing the gathering, Charles fondly recalled his association with the late Bishop Abraham, the first Bishop of Kohima, describing him as a beloved leader committed to youth and lay associations. He noted that CAN, founded in 1983, was Bishop Abraham’s brainchild, making it fitting that the Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) organizes the memorial tournament every three years to honour his legacy.
Charles emphasized the values of sports such as unity, discipline, character, and camaraderie, urging participants to view the tournament as a celebration of their hard work and talent. He also encouraged the youth to remain steadfast in their faith and baptismal vows, resist negativity, and persevere in righteousness.
Director of NCYM, Rev. Fr. Kokto Kurian, paid tribute to Late Rt. Rev. Abraham Alangimattathil, SDB, in whose memory the tournament is held. Born on July 11, 1933, in Paika, Kerala, Bishop Abraham joined the Salesians, was ordained in 1964, and became the first Bishop of Kohima in 1973. Fr. Kurian highlighted the bishop’s episcopal motto, “A Loving Service to God and Man,” and his transformative leadership, which saw the diocese grow from 10,000 Catholics and six parishes to over 64,000 Catholics, 39 parishes, and 19 centres by the time of his passing in 1997.
Bishop Thoppil commended the achievements of Catholic youth in the diocese, noting their success in competitive examinations and various professional fields. He announced that the diocese would support two students annually who are seriously preparing for the Indian civil service examinations. He encouraged youth to pursue professionalism, complete tasks with dedication, and diversify into leadership roles, including politics and social service.
A total of 58 teams—30 male and 28 female are participating in the volleyball tournament, including teams comprising priests and nuns. Winners in both categories will receive Rs. 50,000, runners-up Rs. 30,000, and semi-finalists Rs. 10,000. Additional prizes will be awarded for Best Discipline Team, Best Player, Best Spiker, and Best Setter. This edition also features a tug-of-war competition, with cash prizes of Rs. 10,000, Rs. 7,000, and Rs. 5,000 for the top three teams.
The ceremony began with a prayer by PG Coordinator and Director of SJC Men’s Hostel, Rev. Fr. Vipral John. President of NCYM, Dr. Rosou Ronald Pohina, delivered the presidential address, while president of SACU, Rokovizo John, presented the welcome note.