Pelezotuo (Atuo) Mezhür Sekhose, State Chief Commissioner of the Nagaland Bharat Scouts and Guides, a prominent public figure, sports administrator, and educationist, passed away at his residence here late Friday night following prolonged health issues. He was 77.
A widely respected figure in Nagaland’s public life, late Atuo Mezhür Sekhose was laid to rest on Saturday afternoon after a funeral service held at the premises of Mezhür Higher Secondary School (MHSS) Kohima, an institution closely associated with his lifelong contribution to education.
Born on May 20, 1948 to Samuel and Banuo Mezhür, Atuo Sekhose was the second of seven siblings. Throughout his life, he was actively involved in community service, and played a vital role in shaping the educational and sporting landscape of Nagaland. He served in various key capacities in the fields of sports, education, youth development, and church leadership.
Sekhose was the managing director and proprietor of MHSS Kohima—originally established in 1958 by his father. Under his leadership, the school became one of the most respected private educational institutions in Nagaland.
His contribution to football in Nagaland and India was particularly notable. As president of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) from 1998 to 2020 and general secretary from 1990 to 1998, he played an important role in promoting and institutionalising football across the state.
At the national level, he served as executive committee member (1992–2000), vice president (2000–2008), and member of the appeal committee (2012–2016) of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
He also led Indian youth football teams as Chief-de-Mission on international tours, including the U-21 team’s tour of Mauritius in 1998 and the U-19 team’s tour of the UK and Northern Ireland in 2004, where the team clinched the Ian Rush Trophy.
In 2008, he represented India at the FIFA Conference in Sydney, Australia, alongside then Union Ministers PR Das Munsi and Praful Patel.
Beyond football, he held various leadership roles including general secretary of the Nagaland Olympic Association (1988–2002), president of Nagaland Table Tennis Association (from 1997 until his passing), and regional manager for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (1986–2008).
Sekhose also served the Nagaland Bharat Scouts and Guides as State Commissioner (Scout) from 2011 to 2018 and later as State Chief Commissioner from 2018 until his demise.
He briefly entered electoral politics, contesting the 4th Nagaland Legislative Assembly election in 1977 from 9 Kohima Town Assembly Constituency. In the religious sphere, he was chairman of the executive council of the Baptist Mission Church, Kohima, from 2020 to 2023.
Condolences
Nagaland governor La Ganesan and chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio led others in mourning the passing of Pelezotuo (Atuo) Mezhür Sekhose.
In a condolence message, Ganesan described late Atuo as a distinguished educationist, administrator, and public figure who devoted his life to the service of the people of Nagaland.
Ther governor stated that late Auto’s tireless contributions in the fields of education, sports, and community service have left an indelible mark on the State. In his demise, Ganesan said Nagaland
has lost a dedicated and selfless leader.
The governor conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to grant them strength and solace during this difficult time.
CM: State chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio described late Atuo Mezhür as a towering figure in Naga society—an exemplary individual whose legacy spans the domains of education, sports administration, and community service.
Dr. Rio also said he was a trailblazer in the field of sports and achieved national prominence as the vice president of the AIFF. The chief minister said that his passing marked a deep and irreplaceable loss for Nagaland, as he was a repository of knowledge, experience, and wisdom.
“His counsel, leadership, and vision inspired many, and his absence will be deeply felt across generations,” Dr. Rio said.
On behalf of the Government of Nagaland, the chief minister conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family. “We join in prayer for the departed soul to find eternal peace and for God’s grace to be upon the family during this difficult time,” Dr. Rio said.
Abu Metha: Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) secretary general and Athletics Federation of India (AFI) vice-president Abu Metha expressed grief over the passing of late Atuo Mezhür.
In a condolence message, Metha described late Mezhür as a towering figure whose multifaceted contributions to education, social service and especially sports, have left an indelible mark on Nagaland and beyond. NOA secretary general said late Atuo’s legacy in the field of sports stood as a shining testament to his vision, integrity and unwavering dedication to the cause of youth and athletic excellence.
Metha said late Mezhür’s tireless efforts to uplift youth and support sportspersons in Nagaland laid the groundwork for many of the structures and opportunities the state benefit from today.
“His name will forever be remembered with gratitude, etched in golden letters in the annals of Nagaland’s sporting history,” Metha said.
On behalf of the NOA and the entire sports fraternity of Nagaland, Metha extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty God grant them strength and comfort.
NFA: Nagaland Football Association (NFA) and the state’s football fraternity have expressed shock and pain to learn about the untimely demise of one of its most respected and visionary leaders, late Pelezotuo (Atuo) Mezhür Sekhose.
In a condolence message, NFA president K. Neibou Sekhose and general secretary Benei M. Lamthiu described Late Atuo as a proactive, dedicated and visionary leader, whose contributions spanned across various spheres including sports, education, politics, church, and public service. His decades-long commitment to the development of football and youth welfare earned him recognition both in the state and at the national level, NFA stated.
NFA said that late Atuo remained committed to community service until his last breath, contributing significantly to the uplift of sports and society in Nagaland.
“Through his loss, the NFA and the Nagaland sporting community in particular, and the Nagas in general, have lost a very prominent, respected and influential leader and mentor,” NFA stated.
NFA expressed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that God grant strength and solace in this hour of grief and prayed that his towering legacy live on, and his soul rests in eternal peace.
KDFA: Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) also mourned his passing and said that his efforts helped shape the growth of football in Nagaland.
In a condolence message, KDFA president M Mathew Yhome and joint secretary, Viliebeizo Liezietsu, noted that Sekhose mentored generations of players and administrators and championed the sport with humility and passion. The association extended its condolences to the bereaved family.