DIMAPUR, NOV 9 (NPN): Mary Help of Christians Parish, Jakhama concluded its annual Parish Youth Sports Meet on November 8 after two days of sporting competition, fellowship and community celebration under the theme “One Parish, One Spirit, One Victory in Christ!”
Held on November 7 and 8 at Jakhama Village, the event brought together around 400 participants and supporters from across the southern Angami area. The sports meet witnessed enthusiastic participation from young men and women representing eight constituent churches of the parish.
The participating churches included Sacred Heart Church Khuzama, St Joseph’s Church Viswema, Mary Help of Christians Church Jakhama Village, St Peter’s Church Jakhama Town, St Michael’s Church Kigwema, St Luke’s Church Mima, St Theresa of Kolkata Church Mitelephe and St Paul’s Church Phesama.
In the men’s football tournament, Sacred Heart Church Khuzama emerged champions following a hard-fought victory over St Joseph’s Church Viswema in the final. St Joseph’s Church Viswema, which had earlier defeated Mary Help of Christians Church Jakhama Village in the semifinal stage, also secured the title in the women’s tug of war competition.
St Paul’s Church Phesama dominated the volleyball events by clinching both the men’s and women’s titles. In the men’s final, St Paul’s defeated St Luke’s Church Mima, while in the women’s category they overcame St Michael’s Church Kigwema to complete a remarkable double triumph.
The event showcased a vibrant atmosphere marked by team jerseys, church flags, cheers and healthy competition, as members of the parish community gathered to strengthen bonds of friendship and faith through sports.
The sports meet commenced with an inaugural programme chaired by Ketohol Raphael. Rev. Fr. Felix SJ invoked God’s blessings on the gathering, while Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Patton delivered the welcome address. A special presentation was made by Menuoselie. Chief guest K. Dominic Thapru addressed the participants and officially declared the meet open.
The closing ceremony was led by Rukusanu Christina. Chief guest Zenikho Benedict delivered the closing address, followed by prize distribution and the announcement of lottery results. Zevito Wilfred proposed the vote of thanks before the programme concluded with a fellowship meal for the youth.
