Kohima, October 14: Phek district today emerged as the champion of the 14th Inter-District Catch Them Young SepakTakraw Tournament organized by Department of Youth resources and Sports at IG Stadium here.
In the finals, Phek defeated Wokha by 2-1.
Mokokchung and Longleng districts won the third and fourth positions respectively.
Addressing the valedictory function, Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports Zale Neikha said sportspersons of Nagaland has the capability to improve further and become successful if they are willing to sacrifice and dedicate themselves and obey their coaches.
In this, he challenged the young sportsperson to remain steadfast, work hard with dedication, determination and maintain discipline so that they too can bring glamorous achievements and laurels to our state and country in near future.
Witnessing the final match, Neikha expressed optimism that with young sportsperson playing such hectic game, they would be a renowned star one day in Sepaktakraw.
In Nagaland, he said Sepaktakraw has been one of the most performing sports discipline with the state players representing India at different international events including Asian Games, such as, China 2010, Korea 2014, Indonesia 2018 and Thailand 2022.
He also highlighted that in the recent winning championships including 35th Edition of 2022 King’s Cup SepakTakraw World Championship, Bangkok, Thailand, three prominent players of the State – Viseyie Koso, Captain of Men’s Team India, (Gold), Akumtila and Vesevolü Dozo (Bronze) brought laurels to Nagaland and uplifted the Nation’s pride.
Meanwhile, on the recently concluded 36th National Games 2022 held at Gujarat, where Nagaland team participated in Archery, Athletics, Boxing and Wrestling, Neikha said sadly our state could not get even a single medal because of which people started trolling and blaming the Department and the Government in the social media platform.
Accepting that the Department and Government in some areas may have failed to provide necessary requirements, he said not all sportspersons can win all the tournaments and competition in sports, but a sportspersons needs to compete and learn their mistakes in their rhythm.
Further, Neikha said it is encouraging to see sports persons participating in different disciplines of sports at the national and International level.
In the last few years, a handful of ‘Astro Turf Ground’ and ‘Multi-purpose hall’ have come up in different corners of the state initiated by the present Government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, which will boost varied sports discipline in the state, he said.
(Page News Service)
