First 3×3 Basketball tourney gets underway in Kohima

The first 3×3 Basketball Tournament organized by Team Heist got underway on Friday at D Khel Ground, Kohima Village. The two-day event features a total of 32 teams — 21 in the U-19 Boys category and 11 in U-21 Girls — including participants from neighbouring Assam.
The champions in each category will receive Rs. 15,000 along with a trophy, while the runners-up will get Rs. 10,000 and a trophy. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) will be awarded Rs. 3,000.
Addressing the young players as special guest of the inaugural function, president of the Northeast Taekwondo Union and Nagaland Taekwondo Association, and chairman of the Dapfütsumia Council, Pele Khezhie, encouraged the players to focus on one discipline if they aim to become professionals and compete at national and international levels.
“Nagas have a natural talent for sports, but it’s important to specialize in one field to truly excel,” he said.
Highlighting past challenges, Khezhie noted that athletes in Nagaland once lagged behind due to inadequate sporting infrastructure. However, under the leadership of chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, who also heads the Nagaland Olympic Association, the state government has been investing in youth development through sports and arts.
Khezhie also expressed optimism that participation of teams from Assam would foster stronger bonds and mutual understanding among players.
Meanwhile, Khezhie also announced that the Nagaland Taekwondo Association, in collaboration with the state government, will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Korea on July 10 to train young Naga athletes in Taekwondo. He hoped that similar efforts would be made in other disciplines to support the young talents.
The tournament, which will conclude on Saturday, was officially opened with a prayer by Pastor of Kingdom Harvest Church Kohima, Dr. Pithungo Ngullie, and chaired by Team Heist founder, Kekhriesier Khezhie.