Nagaland 1st School Tournament HUB begins at SJU

The inaugural edition of the School Tournament HUB, a joint initiative by St. Joseph University (SJU) and DMI St. Joseph Global School, Ikishe Model Village, Chümoukedima, commenced with great enthusiasm on November 6. The two-day tournament brought together 10 participating schools, promoting unity, sportsmanship and healthy competition among young athletes.
Addressing the gathering, special guest, Watinungsang reflected on his school days and underscored the importance of school-level tournaments in identifying and nurturing young talent. He urged students to actively participate and explore their potential through such platforms.
Dean of Student Affairs SJU, Prof. Charles Mhonthung Ezung, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the achievements of Watinungsang—the first from the region to be selected as an ICC International Cricket Coach and a former fast bowler associated with the Delhi and Nagaland Cricket Associations. He encouraged students to draw inspiration from the guest and emphasized that the tournament was initiated to share the university’s sports infrastructure with schools across the region, in line with the New Education Policy’s vision of integrating sports with education for holistic development.
The opening ceremony was hosted by assistant professor, Department of Management Dr. Sohile Tep. The National Flag was hoisted by the special guest, Watinungsang, followed by the National Anthem led by Witadthiu Meriam, a postgraduate student of Political Science. The University Flag was raised by the Vice Chancellor of SJU, accompanied by the University Anthem presented by Lea Achumi, an undergraduate student of Psychology and Counselling.
Rev. Fr. Arockia Michael Nathan, Professor, Department of English, offered the Invocation, seeking blessings for the success of the event.
The ceremony also featured special performances, including a Wooden Dumbbell Display and Pyramid Formation by students of DMI St. Joseph Global School. A symbolic relay for the Lighting of the Torch was conducted by students who have represented their school at state and national levels. The oath-taking ceremony, led by Akhriezo, an undergraduate student from the Department of Physical Education, embodied the spirit of unity and fair play.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by assistant professor, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Lorenbeni Kikon, who expressed gratitude to all participants, guests and organizers for their contributions in making the event a resounding success.