State-level ‘Catch Them Young’ U-14 Sepaktakraw concludes

The closing ceremony of the State-Level “Catch Them Young” U-14 Sepaktakraw 2025 was held on Wednesday at Hall B of the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. The event was organized by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports in collaboration with the All Nagaland Private Schools Association (ANPSA).
Advisor for School Education and SCERT, Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, graced the occasion as the special guest. In his address, he announced that Nagaland will host the upcoming Asian Women Sepaktakraw Championship, featuring participation from over 20 South Asian countries. He emphasized the importance of confidence, body language, personal discipline and sportsmanship in athletic development.
Highlighting the progress of Sepaktakraw in Nagaland, Yhome noted that the state has produced 23 international players who have represented India in 24 international events, collectively earning 58 medals across international, national and regional competitions. He underscored the sport’s accessibility, stating that it requires minimal infrastructure and can be played in village settings.
Yhome also expressed optimism that, through the Nagaland School Sports Policy, young talent can be identified and nurtured. He commended the Department of Youth Resources and Sports and all stakeholders for their efforts and acknowledged chief minister Neiphiu Rio’s continued support for youth and sports initiatives.
The programme was chaired by Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose. Commissioner and Secretary of Youth Resources and Sports, Anthony Ngullie, delivered the welcome address, while member of the ANPSA Sepaktakraw Committee and Ex-Officio Advisor ANPSA Central, Bithungo Kikon, gave a brief speech. A special song was presented by Ruokuose-ü Sanchu, and the thanksgiving prayer was pronounced by pastor of UBC Kohima, Visato Yhoshü.
Results (Boys category): Winner – King David Higher Secondary School, Chumoukedima; runners-up -Eastern School, Mon; third place – St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Dimapur.
Girls category: Winner – Lorna’s Higher Secondary School; runners-up – Green Valley, Mon; third place – Mungleu Valley School, Saijang, Peren.