DIMAPUR, SEP 26 (NPN): The fourth Open Badminton Tournament of the Khezhakeno Kikruma Badminton Association (K2BA) was held at the NLA Multipurpose Hall, Kohima, on September 26, bringing together players and members from Khezhakeno and Kikruma and highlighting the longstanding bond between the two villages.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), Indian Reserve (IR) South, Lakha Koza, IPS, who attended the event as guest speaker, said sporting activities could serve as a means of strengthening relationships between communities while encouraging people to remain physically active.
He said regular participation in sports contributes not only to physical fitness but also to alertness, coordination and overall well-being. Referring to badminton, he observed that although the sport could be relatively expensive, it offered significant health benefits.
Speaking about the relationship between Khezhakeno, a Khezha-speaking village, and Kikruma, a Chokri-speaking village, Koza said the bond between the two villages, despite them not being immediate geographical neighbours, could be viewed as a divine plan for fostering brotherhood.
He highlighted Kikruma’s contributions to sports, public service and leadership, including its distinction of producing the first IPS and IAS officers among the Chakhesangs. He also acknowledged the village’s contributions to politics, sports and civil society.
Koza called on members of both communities to continue strengthening their relationship by supporting and learning from one another. He also encouraged people to learn each other’s languages, saying greater familiarity with the respective languages could foster a stronger sense of belonging and contribute to wider social benefits.
K2BA secretary Zhalie Puro, who chaired the programme, said badminton had helped foster a sense of belonging among people from the two villages and urged the community to preserve the spirit of togetherness. Khupo Kezo offered the invocation prayer and also encouraged the players and gathering.The tournament was held under the presidentship of Joshua Koza. K2BA adviser Vekhrolo Koza led the prize distribution ceremony, while Bizo Puro offered the benediction.
A total of 60 players competed across three categories—Amateur, Advanced and Mixed Doubles.
In the Amateur category, Mutsivo and Mechietsho Koza emerged winners, while Viephitsolo Koza and Chikrokhoyo Kezo finished runners-up. In the Advanced category, Vekhrolo Koza and Nühütso Vero won the title, with Ado Kezo and Medovelo Sono finishing runners-up.
In the Mixed Doubles category, Sekhotolü Puro and Mutsitso Kezo emerged winners, while Senülü Puro and Vekhrolo Koza were runners-up.
Viephitsolo Koza, 15, was recognised as the youngest player, while Mutsitso Kezo, 66, was recognised as the oldest participant.
The association expressed appreciation to shuttle sponsors Zhalie Puro and Putsütso Thira, as well as all participants, dignitaries, well-wishers, spectators and volunteers for their support in making the tournament a success.
