Tourism deptt to host FIFA WC SF, final screenings at Kisama

KOHIMA, JUL 7 (NPN): In an effort to transform the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, into a year-round tourism destination, the Department of Tourism will organise live screenings of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals and final on July 15, 16 and 20.
Announcing the initiative to a section of the media at a press conference on Tuesday, Commissioner and Secretary, Tourism, Kovi Meyase, said the programme was in line with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s vision of ensuring that Kisama remained active throughout the year rather than being known only for the annual Hornbill Festival.
Meyase said the department intended to maximise the use of Kisama’s existing infrastructure by introducing activities beyond the 10-day festival. He described the World Cup screenings as the first step in that direction, adding that football’s global appeal offered an ideal opportunity to promote the heritage village while providing fans with a unique viewing experience.
He informed that the department had secured the necessary licence from the company holding the exclusive public screening rights for the tournament in India and said preparations for the event were nearing completion. While clarifying that revenue generation was not the primary objective, he said the department hoped the event would at least recover its costs and contribute modestly to state revenue at a time of financial constraints.
Joint Director of Tourism Toka E. Tuccumi said local artistes would perform before each match to create an entertaining pre-match atmosphere. Moko Koza will headline the entertainment programme on the night of the final, while Sentiein Kichu will perform during both semi-finals. Anonymous Jamir, Tolu Yeptho and Arenchenla Jamir will also feature during the semi-final events.
Besides the live performances, the department has planned penalty shootout competitions, raffle draws and other interactive activities during match intervals.
Tuccumi said three winners would be selected after each match to receive tourism-themed gift hampers worth over Rs. 10,000 each. A total of 24 gift hampers will be distributed from the quarter-finals through the final. Football fans can also participate in online match prediction contests through the Department of Tourism’s official Instagram page. Winners from the various stages of the tournament will receive complimentary passes to subsequent matches along with premium gift hampers.
For food and refreshments, the department has partnered with Kisama House Restaurant and Synergy Group, which will operate food stalls serving meals, snacks and beverages throughout the event.
Officials informed that tickets have been divided into Gold and Silver categories. Gold tickets, priced at Rs. 3,000, will be limited to 150 seats, while Silver tickets will cost Rs. 200. Students producing valid identity cards will be eligible for concessional rates under the Silver category.
Tickets will be available at One Bit, Equipment & Sports, Kisama House, Rhododendron Resort, D Cafe, and the Directorate of Tourism. The department said entry gates will open at 9 p.m., live music performances will begin at 10 p.m., while match screenings will commence at 12.30 a.m. Director of Tourism Veyieko Doulo said the department had legally secured exclusive public screening rights through Zee Entertainment, the authorised public screening rights holder for the FIFA World Cup in India.
Tuccumi added that Zee Entertainment had provided branding materials and operational guidelines, all of which the department was strictly adhering to. He clarified that while private screenings within homes were permitted, commercial public screenings without authorisation were illegal.
To ensure the safety and convenience of visitors, officials said fire safety arrangements, a first aid booth, volunteers from SAYO, and police personnel would be deployed throughout the event.