Atoizu Sports Meet concludes, Coco tops football

CHUMOUKEDIMA, OCT 21 (NPN): The two-day Atoizu Sports Meet 2026, organised by Kulolau Atoizumi Küqhakulu (KAK) on October 19 and 20, concluded with participation from villages and communities under the theme “Bound by Roots: United in Play.”
The meet featured four disciplines-football, volleyball, futsal and badminton-aimed at promoting sportsmanship, fellowship and unity among the people of Atoizu. The grand closing and prize distribution ceremony was graced by advisor to the chief minister and advisor for New and Renewable Energy, Er. Picto Shohe, as chief guest. Drawing from his personal experience in sports, Shohe encouraged the youth to participate in sporting activities, emphasising that sports were important not only for achievement but also for maintaining good health.
During the inaugural functions, Er. Kahuli Sema, Independent Director of Engineers India Limited (EIL), graced the volleyball event as special guest and expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen unity among the people of Atoizu. Mhabeni Aketo Kikon, a Registered Class-I Contractor under the Government of Nagaland, graced the football inaugural function and encouraged the youth to pursue sports with dedication. She cited sportspersons from Nagaland who had excelled despite various limitations as examples for aspiring athletes.
The badminton event was inaugurated by secretary of the Nagaland Khadi and Village Industries Board (NKVIB), Government of Nagaland, Mghato Achumi, while the futsal event was inaugurated by Khekishe Aye, GB of New Market and proprietor of AWSA security. In football, Coco emerged champions, with Apukito finishing runners-up. Nitoka Chophi of Apukito received the Highest Scorer award, Vito Assumi of Coco was adjudged best goalkeeper, and Pikupu Awomi of Coco was named best player.
In men’s volleyball, Apukito claimed the championship, followed by Coco as runners-up. In the women’s category, Emlo-To emerged champions, while Coco finished runners-up. Rovito Yeptho of Coco and Vikiho of Apukito received the Best Spiker and Best Setter awards in men’s volleyball, respectively. In women’s volleyball, Avika Kiho and Bonitoli Aye, both of Emlo-To, received the Best Spiker and Best Setter awards. Usutomi Village emerged champions in futsal, with Vekuhomi Village finishing runners-up. Lokobomi Village and Khusontomi were the semi-finalists. Kini D. Chophi of Usutomi was named highest scorer, while Tokuto Awomi of the same village received the best goalkeeper award.
In badminton, Bovi and Toka of Yesholuto won the Men’s Open Doubles title, while Kughupu and Giveto of Naghuto finished runners-up. In Men’s Doubles 45+, Samuel and Ohito of Rotomi emerged champions, followed by Er. Mulato and Bokavi of Naghutomi. Anito and Tokaho of Vekuho won the Men’s Doubles 55+ title, while Shiluho and Hukato of Rotomi finished runners-up.
In Women’s Doubles, Toshikali and Livana of Rotomi claimed the title, with Viketoli and Mhalo of Naghuto finishing runners-up. Totoka and Livana of Rotomi won the Mixed Doubles title, while Ikato and Viketoli of Naghuto secured the runners-up position. Bovi Chishi of Yesholuto received the Discipline Player award.
The Face of Atoizu Award was conferred on 106-year-old Tsaika in recognition of his support and presence throughout the meet, from the inaugural ceremony to its conclusion.
The event also recognised community spirit and sportsmanship, with Vekuho receiving the Best Cheerleading Unit award, Yetovi Chishi of Naghuto being recognised as the Funniest Supporter, and Khrimtomi receiving the Best Discipline award.
KAK expressed gratitude to all participating teams, players, officials, distinguished guests, supporters and well-wishers for contributing to the success of the event.