Bishop Abraham Memorial tourney concludes

Three-day 5th edition of the Bishop Abraham Memorial Tournament, organised by the Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) and hosted by the Southern Angami Catholic Union (SACU), concluded on Thursday at St. Joseph’s (Autonomous) College, Jakhama. The event brought together Catholic youth from across Nagaland in a celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit, with competitions in volleyball and tug-of-war for both men and women.
Guest of honour, Col. Satya Narain of the 44 Mountain Brigade, Jakhama, in his address, underlined the importance of participation over winning. He said sports should be valued as a platform to learn, grow and enjoy, rather than as a pursuit of titles.
Special guest, State Nodal Officer of AYUSH and president of the Angami Catholic Union (ACU) Dr. John Seyiekhrietuo, spoke on social challenges, particularly rising unemployment in Nagaland. He urged the youth to take up entrepreneurship instead of relying solely on government jobs and also emphasised the values of sportsmanship, teamwork and resilience.
Auxiliary Bishop Jose Puthenveetil of Faridabad expressed delight at witnessing Catholic youth from “every nook and corner” of the state come together through the tournament.
In the men’s volleyball category, St. John Evangelist Church, Khonoma emerged as champions, with St. Paul Church, Phesama finishing as runners-up. In the women’s category, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Lazami defeated St. Francis de Sales, Tening to lift the title.
The tug-of-war competition was won by St. Xavier Parish, Kidima, followed by St. John the Evangelist Parish, Khonoma in second place and St. Joseph’s Parish, Tseminyu in third.
Individual awards in the women’s category:
Best Discipline: St. Joseph’s Centre, Songlhuh
Best Player: Mhiesimenuo Margaret (St. John the Evangelist, Khonoma)
Best Spiker: Niuli Helena (St. Francis of Assisi, Lazami)
Best Setter: Livitoli Agnes (St. Francis of Assisi, Lazami)
Men’s category awards:
Best Discipline: Christ the King Centre, Phuvkiu
Best Player: Mhiesilieto Edmund (St. John the Evangelist Parish, Khonoma)
Best Spiker: Kekhrieselie Kevin (St. Paul Parish, Phesama)
Best Setter: Mezhüse Martin (St. John the Evangelist, Khonoma)
The closing programme began with a prayer song by NCYM executives, followed by a welcome note from Rev. Sr. Mariyam Chothe, Lady Animator of NCYM. A special number was presented by Helena Swu. The ceremony concluded with the lowering of the NCYM flag and a vote of thanks from NCYM General Secretary, Veronica Nriame. Rev. Fr. Peter Solo, Dean of Science, SJC (A), led the closing prayer and blessing. The programme was moderated by Paul Magh and Neikheno Irine.