Inter Khelo India boxing tourney held in Kma

The first-ever Inter Khelo India Centre and Khelo India State Centre of Excellence Boxing Tournament for Under-10, Sub-Junior U-14, and Junior U-17 (Boys and Girls) categories was successfully conducted at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
The event was organized by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS), marking a significant step in the department’s efforts to promote boxing as a professional sport in Nagaland.
During the inaugural programme, Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose, NCS, highlighted the department’s vision behind initiating the tournament. He stated that, despite having various competitions in sports like football and volleyball, there had been a noticeable lack of tournaments in boxing.
He emphasized that boxing, though a contact sport, follows some of the highest safety protocols and offers a professional platform for athletes to excel.
Sekhose encouraged participants and attendees by pointing out that Nagas, though generally of smaller stature, could turn that into an advantage in the boxing arena with proper coaching and training. Citing boxing icon Mary Kom from neighbouring Manipur as an example, he stressed that Nagaland too could produce top-tier boxers with the right mentorship and infrastructure.
The director also informed that 31 indoor stadiums were under construction across the state and would be completed by the end of the year.
These initiatives, he said, were part of a broader mission to build sports as a viable industry in line with the national vision of Viksit Bharat.
Sekhose further underlined the importance of good coaching, remarking that while poor coaching can hinder even a talented team, quality coaching has the power to transform any team. He revealed that a three-week intensive boxing coaching camp had recently concluded and expressed confidence in continuing such capacity-building exercises.
The inaugural function was chaired by Jakedovo Chase, Joint Director of DYRS, while the welcome address was delivered by Youth Resources Officer, Viruokuo Zumu. An invocation prayer was pronounced by Megolhu Dolie, Additional Director, DYRS.
List of Winners
Under-17 Girls:
44-46 kg:
1st – Liyani Ezung
2nd – Abikali
48-50 kg:
1st – Alona Chophi
2nd – Sochamo Lapon
52-54 kg:
1st – Neihoilam Hangsing
2nd – Tumchobemi Kikon
Under-15 Boys:
35-37 kg:
1st – Lansothung Khuvung
2nd – Kevingulie Rio
40-43 kg:
1st – Shachu
46-49 kg:
1st – Eshenthung P. Yanthan
2nd – Pausuing Hega
50-52 kg:
1st – Kulungoi Sapu
2nd – Dendemo Murry
50-54 kg:
1st – Epithung T. Sopoe
2nd – Nzan Ngullie
Under-15 Girls:
37-40 kg:
1st – Diethoneinuo
2nd – Zhapu
Under-10 Boys:
24-26 kg:
1st – Vipheto
2nd – Liremo P. Yanthan
28-30 kg:
1st – Diezezo Solo
2nd – Khungo T. Shiu
Open Category:
Under-48 kg Girls:
1st – Senthunglo T. Jami
2nd – Meribeni W. Ngullie
Under-52 kg Boys:
1st – Senkathung
2nd – Lichangthung