ASUD’s two-day Autumn Huddle 5 commences

DIMAPUR, OCT 19 (NPN): The fifth edition of Autumn Huddle, a combined Ao students’ sports meet organised by Ao Students’ Union Dimapur (ASUD), commenced on Monday at Zone Niathu by The Park, Chümoukedima.
Addressing the opening session as the special guest, Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) councillor and Dimapur District Football Association (DDFA) general secretary Lanutoshi Yaden called upon Ao youths to rise above past differences and work collectively towards a stronger and more united future.
Yaden noted that the past could not be rewritten, but the future remained in the hands of the younger generation, and urged youths not to allow past mistakes and differences to limit future opportunities, but instead learn from it and focus on working together to build a better tomorrow.
Emphasising that unity must extend beyond the playing field, Yaden said sports taught discipline, teamwork, sacrifice, respect, and resilience. He however stressed that the spirit of togetherness demonstrated during sporting events should also be reflected in everyday social life, including supporting students pursuing education, helping young people seeking employment, and assisting elders and those in need.
He thereby encouraged ASUD to continue creating platforms for young people to build friendships, exchange ideas and develop stronger sense of social responsibility.
He also said that such gatherings should lead to meaningful initiatives and action rather than remain limited to shared memories.
Yaden further urged participants to compete with determination while respecting opponents and rules of the game, and reminded that winning should not come at the cost of friendship and unity, adding that character developed through discipline, teamwork and respect was more valuable than a trophy in the cabinet.
Challenging the gathering to make the fifth edition a turning point in youth development and community service, Yaden urged participants to rise above narrow interests, reject division, and take responsibility for shaping a better future for the Ao community and Nagaland.
Meanwhile, delivering the welcome address, ASUD president Imnatemsu Pongen said Autumn Huddle was first organised in 2013 and had since provided platforms for young people to participate in sports and develop their abilities.
He also noted that several players who had participated in the event had gone on to compete at the state level in athletics, football and badminton.
It may be noted that eight teams are participating in the two-day event, featuring competitive events such as badminton, volleyball, basketball, penalty shootout, futsal and tug of war, amongst other activities.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Rongsenpenla Imsong, invocation offered by Associate Pastor, Youth, Diphupar, Talimoa, while a special presentation was performed by Kilen, and oath-taking administered by ASUD sports secretary Tiayanger.