Inter Khelo India Centre Archery Tournament begins in Jalukie

KOHIMA, JUL 9 (NPN): The second edition of the Inter Khelo India Centre (KIC) Archery Tournament, organised by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) in collaboration with St. Xavier’s College, Jalukie, got underway on Thursday at Jalukie in Peren district.
The tournament has brought together archers from the Khelo India Centres (KICs) at Noklak and Jalukie, along with the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE), Kohima.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose, while Administrator of St. Xavier’s College, Jalukie, Rev. Fr. Marius Patton offered the invocation.
In his welcome address, Sekhose said the tournament was organised to provide archers aged 18 years and below with a competitive platform to sharpen their skills and prepare for higher levels of competition.
Highlighting the State government’s commitment to sports development, he referred to Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio’s announcement of the Chief Minister’s Initiative for Advancement of Sports, which supports five disciplines—archery, badminton, sepak takraw, table tennis and taekwondo.
He urged young athletes to make full use of the opportunities available under the initiative, including advanced coaching outside the State, free boarding and lodging, pocket money and other support. Expressing confidence in Nagaland’s sporting potential, Sekhose said the State has the capability to produce athletes who can compete at the highest level, including the Olympics.
Deputy Commissioner Peren, Hiazu Meru, who attended the programme as the special guest, said sports play a vital role in shaping responsible citizens by instilling values such as respect, fairness, integrity, honesty, perseverance and a positive attitude. He encouraged athletes to uphold these values both on and off the field.
Meru also stressed the need for a comprehensive sports policy and greater recruitment through the sports quota to create better career opportunities and ensure a secure future for deserving athletes. The programme concluded with the presentation of medals in the mixed team, team, individual and distance events.
In the Mixed Team event, Elisen Mozhui and Sahulu Dozo of KISCE Kohima won the gold medal, while Putsho and Nimo S of KIC Noklak took silver. Sune O and Hemso L of KIC Noklak claimed bronze.
In the Distance Medal (Boys) category, Elisen Mozhui of KISCE Kohima secured gold, followed by Kuvengoto Phuwshu with silver and Keyireniaheing Sephe with bronze.
In the Distance Medal (Girls) category, Sahulu Dozo of KISCE Kohima won gold, Vetsungshe secured silver, and Hemso L of KIC Noklak claimed bronze.
The KISCE Kohima trio of Sahulu Dozo, Vetsungshe and Megovi-I captured the gold medal in the Girls’ Team event. Hemso L, Themsao T and Phaam P of KIC Noklak won silver, while Nimo S, Thingpia P and Supon C, also of KIC Noklak, settled for bronze.
In the Boys’ Team event, Elisen Mozhui, Kuvengoto Phuwshu and Neikuosalie Metha of KISCE Kohima clinched gold. Another KISCE Kohima team comprising Keneitsiezo Keditsu, Viluodi Zecho and Keyireniaheing Sephe took silver, while Joshua Pamei, Kewilingdia Niumai and Siwangbo of KIC Jalukie secured bronze.
In the Individual Girls’ category, Sahulu Dozo of KISCE Kohima won gold, Hemso L of KIC Noklak claimed silver and Vetsungshe of KISCE Kohima took bronze.
In the Individual Boys’ category, Kuvengoto Phuwshu of KISCE Kohima secured gold, Sune O of KIC Noklak won silver and Elisen Mozhui of KISCE Kohima finished with bronze.