Kudecho Khamo, Libemo Jami, and other NWA officials with the medal winners at Pele Khezhie Indoor Stadium, Kohima on October 29. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 30
The first state-level sub-junior, junior, and senior Wushu (Sanda) Championship, organized by Nagaland Wushu Association (NWA) in collaboration with Department of Youth Resources & Sports (DYRS), culminated on October 29 at Pele Khezhie Indoor Stadium, Kohima.
Gracing the prize distribution ceremony, Nagaland’s CAWD & Taxes advisor Kudecho Khamo, maintained that sports offer vast career opportunities and called upon athletes to be dedicated and disciplined in pursuing it.
Khamo, who is also president of NWA stated that sports have become very popular and observed that young people are eager to take up sports irrespective of the challenges. He viewed that while one is young, one can actively play, and after their prime years, they can pursue other careers in sports-related management as coaches, managers, and others, offering a huge scope for success.
In Wushu, there is still no infrastructure and no coach except one NIS-certified coach in the state; however, people have received it well considering its scope, and it has become a popular sport. He also reiterated that the NWA is all in to promote the sport. He added that players from Nagaland have won medals even in the Northeast Olympic Games.
He maintained that the State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is also the President of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), is seriously committed to promoting sports, and various sports infrastructures are coming up besides financial assistance being provided to players.
He also acknowledged the NWA officials for their proactive engagement in managing the tournament, while he also commended the district associations for their sacrifices and support in bringing their players to compete in the championship.
He expressed delight that, for the first time, the state-level sub-junior, junior, and senior Wushu (Sanda) Championship was held. He acknowledged the parents and guardians of the athletes for supporting their children, being equally motivated, and celebrating their success, besides accompanying them to the stadium, which he said was a big inspiration. He congratulated the parents.
Khamo emphasized the role of parents in guiding their children’s future in any profession, which, he said, requires grooming and exposure to different fields.
Noting that Wushu is an international and national game, which was also played at the Northeast Olympic Games and Nagaland Olympics, Khamo encouraged the players that a single punch or kick alone can make one popular globally.
Meanwhile, he also assured his support toward the association and the sport, and told the athletes that the Nagaland Wushu Association is committed to the growth and promotion of Wushu in the state and asked them to continue to pursue it with seriousness.
Khamo acknowledged the Department of Youth Resources and Sports for their support toward the promotion of sportspersons. He also acknowledged Pele Khezhie, President of NCSU and Nagaland Taekwondo Association, for providing his indoor stadium to conduct the championship.
Further, Khamo called for collective efforts to promote and contribute to the growth of Wushu in Nagaland while assuring that the NWA will continue to provide a platform for athletes.
The prize distribution ceremony was led by Vekhozo, General Secretary of the Nagaland Wushu Association.
Peren district emerged as the group champion while the Best Disciplined Team award was won by Kohima district.
