DIMAPUR, SEP 29 (NPN): The 13th Annual Sports Meet of the Urra Area Villages’ Youth Organisation (UAVYO) got underway on Tuesday at the Kiyeto Village local ground, bringing together youth from across the Urra area under the theme, “Strength in Diversity & Sports: Beyond Difference, Beyond Limits.”
The sports meet was inaugurated by advisor for Information Technology & Communication, Economics and Statistical Evaluation, Sethrongkyu Sangtam, MLA who attended the event as the special guest.
In the opening day football fixtures, host Kiyeto Youth Club held defending champions Bade Youth Organisation to a goalless draw, while Tsithrongse defeated Singrijan 2-0.
The men’s volleyball competition witnessed several closely contested matches. Tsithrongse edged past Diezephe 3-2, while Singrijan also secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Seluophe. Razaphe Basa defeated Bade 3-1, and host Kiyeto concluded the day’s volleyball fixtures with a 3-1 win against Sangtamtila.
In his address, Sangtam said the Naga people have been naturally gifted in fields such as sports, music and arts, but stressed that such talents would only bear fruit if properly nurtured and refined.
Encouraging participants to aim for higher platforms, he urged the youth to develop their skills and potential to bring recognition and laurels to Nagaland. Referring to the event theme, he said young people can play a pivotal role in promoting unity and harmony within society. He emphasized that sports is not merely about winning competitions but about fostering friendship, sportsmanship and a sense of oneness that transcends differences.
The advisor also highlighted the state government’s efforts to promote youth development through sports, arts and music and encouraged young people to take advantage of various government schemes. He expressed hope that the bonds of friendship forged during the tournament would continue to strengthen unity in the community long after the event concludes.
Delivering the presidential address, UAVYO president Visü Sakhrie thanked sponsors and supporters for contributing to the success of the event. He said the organisation remains committed to creating opportunities for youth to showcase their talents and grow. Calling on participants to uphold the spirit of the theme, Sakhrie stressed that the sports meet is not only about competition but also about celebrating unity and togetherness.
Reflecting on previous programmes, he noted that a past cultural day had failed to generate the expected participation and contribution from several federating units. He urged members to learn from that experience and work collectively towards preserving and promoting cultural unity.
Head GB of Kiyeto Village, Benjamin Sema, who extended greetings on behalf of the host village, expressed pride in hosting the event.
He said the village council and residents had made extensive preparations despite the village’s small size. Sema praised the growing unity within the Urra area and commended the Urra Area Parent Body and UAVYO for guiding the youth in a positive direction. He reiterated that the objective of the organisation is to provide a platform for young people to develop their talents while fostering brotherhood and mutual respect despite differences in culture, tradition and religion.
