Nagaland: 38th Zunheboto Area Sports Association Kükami Trophy kicks off

The 38th Zunheboto Area Sports Association (ZASA) Kükami Trophy commenced on January 12 at the District Sports Council Ground, Zunheboto, and will continue till January 17. The opening ceremony was graced by Kitoho S. Rotokha, former deputy chairperson of the Zunheboto Town Council (ZTC) and vice president of the Sumi Hoho, as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Rotokha expressed mixed feelings and emphasized the need to revive and retrospect the functioning of ZASA. He noted that the association has been using the same ground for over three decades without proper infrastructure and called for serious attention towards developing a standard turf football ground. Highlighting the importance of soft power through sports, music and culture, he urged youth to pursue their talents with dedication.
Rotokha also stressed the need for skill development in the face of Nagaland’s growing population, cautioning against compromising traditional titles. He reminded that Article 371(A) protects the people of Nagaland and advised focusing on long-term benefits rather than instant gains.
Delivering his greetings, president of the Sumi Games and Sports Association, Iloka Shohe, encouraged the younger generation to seize opportunities to earn through sports. He assured financial support for athletes willing to pursue coaching classes and highlighted the issue of unemployment, noting that over 70,000 youths are job seekers due to lack of skills. He urged players to display true sportsmanship and dedication.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Akavi S. Zhimo, Games and Sports Secretary of ZASA. The event began with an invocation by Dr. Ikheto Awomi, followed by a welcome address from chairman of Zunheboto Tokujo Kukami Khekuto Zhimo. A special number was presented by Liagrace T. Yeptho.
The oath-taking ceremony was administered by the Games and Sports Secretary of ZASA, after which the chief guest officially declared the tournament open. A total of 16 villages are participating in this 38 -U Kukami Trophy.