DIMAPUR, MAY 20 (NPN): The Naga Students’ Union Mumbai (NSUM) organised a two-day community event titled “Sports for Peace” under the theme “United by Sport, Empowered by Knowledge, Bound by Peace” on May 18 and 19 at St. Dominic Savio Ground, Mumbai. The programme, which combined sporting competition with a solidarity prayer, was aimed at expressing unity and hope amid the ongoing conflict in Manipur.
The event was graced by pastor of Naga Christian Fellowship Mumbai Hamyan Phom; singer-songwriter Britto Khangchian; and Chief Manager of SBI Corporate Centre, Kevai Thangal, who hoisted the flag and encouraged the Naga community in Mumbai.
Seven teams representing different localities — Kalina A, Kalina B, Khar, Others, South Bombay, North Mumbai and Navi Mumbai — participated, marking the highest turnout in NSUM’s sporting initiatives. Approximately 950 attendees gathered on the final day.
The overall champions was bagged by South Bombay; runners-up by Kalina B; Men’s Football by Khar team; Men’s Volleyball by Others team; Women’s Volleyball by South Bombay; Men’s MVP by Rindhar Makung (Navi Mumbai); Women’s MVP by Obangnenla Pongener (South Bombay).
The programme was supported by Supen Spa, Spice Tribe, Thotrin Cafe, Horshok (The Shinju Shop), FAC News and R Bhardwaj Travels. NSUM vice president Phungmichon Hunphun Awungshi, along with Sports Committee members Rhonjamo, Rinthem Mahung, Chirchomri Kumrah and Pozii Paul, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming participation, noting the collective longing for peace back home.
Alongside the sports meet, NSUM organised a “Solidarity Candlelight Prayer Program Against the Ongoing Conflict in Manipur.” The gathering brought together church leaders from NCF Mumbai, TBCM and LRM, as well as students, professionals and non-Naga well-wishers.
The programme was led by Wungpei Khamrang, with prayers offered by Rev. Dr. Ashang Luiram of TBCM and Rev. James Lana. Songs of peace were presented by the TBCM Choir and Likhumkyu E. Anar.
President of NSUM, Ramachan A. Shimray, emphasised that the gathering was organised not only for Nagas but for all communities praying for peace in Manipur. He highlighted that the conflict, ongoing since May 3, 2023, has deeply affected the lives of Naga, Meitei and Kuki communities, yet hope for peace remains strong.
General secretary Meyisenla Lemtur recited a poignant poem, “A Mother’s Tears,” reflecting on the suffering of children and families caught in violence. Messages of solidarity were also shared by T.H. Mikho, Pastor of LRM and president of Mao Union Mumbai, Thohrii Gabriel.
Vice President of Tangkhul Welfare Society Mumbai, Alum Raikhan, voiced concern over the hardships faced by villagers, school children, and families struggling to survive amid the crisis.
The “Sports for Peace and Candlelight Prayer” programme served as both a platform for fellowship and a collective expression of solidarity. It reflected the strong sense of unity among the Naga community in Mumbai, bringing together diverse voices in prayer and hope for lasting peace in Manipur.