Nagaland: Team Hornbill, Team Tragopan share Unity Cup trophy in spirit of togetherness

Team Hornbill and Team Tragopan featured in the Unity Cup cricket match played in a 12-over format on Sunday at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur, with 15 players on each side under the banner “Torch of Unity”. The match drew a gathering of sports enthusiasts and various CSOs representatives as special invites.
After winning the toss, Team Tragopan opted to bat first and posted a total of 92 runs. In reply, Team Hornbill put up a confident performance with the bat, successfully chasing down the target by scoring 96 runs in 11 overs to seal the victory.
With this convincing chase, Team Hornbill emerged as the champions of the Unity Cup, while Team Tragopan put up a spirited fight. The match was played in a competitive yet sporting atmosphere, reflecting the true spirit of unity and sportsmanship that the tournament aimed to promote.
The Unity Cup was jointly organised by the Linguistic Minority Forum of Nagaland and the United Circle of Nagaland, in association with the Tennis Ball Cricket Association of Nagaland (TBCAN). The tournament was aimed at promoting unity, equality and sportsmanship among diverse communities through the medium of sports.
The closing ceremony was graced by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur Tinojogshi Chang as special guest who in his speech lauded the organisers for conceptualising and successfully conducting the Unity Cup, describing it as a meaningful initiative that goes beyond sports. He emphasised that such events play a vital role in promoting unity, mutual respect and harmony among different communities, while also encouraging youth participation in sports.
He appreciated the organisers for maintaining the spirit of unity and sportsmanship throughout the tournament and for providing a platform where players and communities could come together in a positive and inclusive environment.
Chang also encouraged the participants to carry forward the message of unity and teamwork beyond the cricket field, noting that collective efforts and mutual understanding are essential for peace and progress in society. He congratulated the winning team and appreciated both teams for displaying competitive yet respectful cricket.
Later, in a historic gesture symbolising unity and togetherness, the trophy was jointly handed over to both Team Hornbill and Team Tragopan, with the organisers officially declaring both teams as winners of the Unity Cup.
Earlier, in the inaugural programme, Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) councillor Mahesh Agarwal as guest his speech, highlighted the significance of the Unity Cup as more than just a cricket match, describing it as a platform that brings people from different backgrounds together in the spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect. He also acknowledged the organising committee members and players, appreciating the initiative for fostering friendship and harmony among communities.
“Cricket has a unique power to unite people beyond borders, languages and cultures. The Unity Cup stands as a testament to that power, where competition is driven by sportsmanship and respect,” Agarwal said, while congratulating the organisers and wishing both teams success.
Match patron and chairman of Business Consultancy Nagaland, Thungpu Zhimomi, also addressed the audience, emphasising the importance of unity through sports. He noted that Dimapur has always been a melting pot of cultures and communities, and such events reinforce the message that diversity is a strength rather than a weakness.
Zhimomi praised the organisers for their efforts in promoting harmony and mutual trust through cricket, stating that when Nagas and non-Nagas play together, it sends a strong message that progress and peace can only be achieved collectively. He wished the players the best and encouraged them to play hard, fair and with respect for one another.