State-level U-14 Sepak Takraw tournament begins

KOHIMA, SEP 22 (NPN): The state-level “Catch Them Young” Under-14 Sepak Takraw tournament kicked off at Hall B, Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on September 22.
Advisor SCERT and Food Processing, Achumbemo Kikon, who was the special guest, in his speech stated that if they want to elevate the standard of politician the younger generation needs to reflect on how elections were approached and whether electoral decisions were influenced by factors other than their own proper judgement.
Kikon said the sport had a long history, tracing its origin to the 15th century and had evolved from an informal recreational activity into a regulated competitive sport. He noted that the introduction of the net during the 1930s and 1940s helped develop the game into its modern competitive form, while it gained wider recognition from the 1960s and 1970s onwards.
Encouraging the young athletes to believe in their potential, Kikon referred to Cape Verde’s participation in the World Cup despite its small population, saying Nagas too could compete at the international level. He said every individual had different talents and encouraged young people to recognise and develop their abilities through sports. He also highlighted disciplines such as weightlifting, boxing and Sepak Takraw as areas where Nagaland could develop competitive athletes.
Referring to Nagaland athletes who had already competed at the Asian Games and international Sepak Takraw competitions, Kikon said the state had the ability to reach the world stage and win medals.
He particularly stressed the importance of controlling one’s temperament and maintaining discipline. He said losing focus during a match could give an opponent an advantage, while disciplined conduct could earn the respect of coaches, managers and spectators.
“Winning is the ultimate goal, but winning is not the only goal,” Kikon said, stressing that participation, discipline, temperament and good conduct were also important aspects of sports. He encouraged the young players to be polite to one another and wished them success in their future endeavours.
Senior advisor, All Nagaland Private Schools’ Association (ANPSA) Central, Pheluopfelie Kesiezie, said Sepak Takraw was unfamiliar to his generation, as they had neither heard of nor played the sport during their school days. He said Nagaland’s introduction to Sepak Takraw was influenced by practical and financial considerations, but added that the state should gradually expand into other sporting disciplines.
Referring to Manipur, Kesiezie said the neighbouring state had produced a significant number of national-level athletes despite its small share of India’s population. He said the establishment of the National Sports University and the state’s contribution of Olympians demonstrated the potential for developing sports at the grassroots level.
Kesiezie said Nagaland could focus on sporting disciplines suited to the physique and reflexes of its people and work towards producing international-level athletes. He said the Under-14 stage was particularly important for developing skills and coordination, and encouraged the young participants to make the most of the opportunity.
Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Youth Resources & Sports Department, Anthony Ngullie, in his welcome speech said that the Department of Youth Resources and Sports was committed to encouraging young sporting talent and followed the approach of “catch them young and teach them right for excellence.” He said the department organised tournaments in various disciplines to provide young athletes with opportunities to develop their skills through competition.
He informed that 27 teams were participating in the Under-14 Sepak Takraw tournament and wished the athletes success.
Ruokuose Sanchu presented a special number, while joint director, Youth Resources & Sports, Khriehutuo Tsira, administered the oath-taking ceremony.
The programme was chaired by Director, Youth Resources & Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose. Senior pastor PCRC, Khrieneio Metha, offered the invocation.