5th Bishop Abraham Memorial Tournament concludes

Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 2 

The 5th edition of the Bishop Abraham Memorial Tournament under the aegis of Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) and hosted by Southern Angami Catholic Union (SACU), concluded on October 2 at St Joseph’s (Autonomous) College, Jakhama.

The tournament featured volleyball and tug-of-war competitions for both men and women.

Addressing the gathering as Guest of Honour, Col Satya Narain of the 44 Mountain Brigade in Zakhama highlighted the importance of participation over winning.

He said that sports should be embraced as a platform to learn, grow and enjoy, not merely as a race for titles.

Sharing his personal love for volleyball, he recalled his younger days as a player before a finger injury halted his playing career, remarking that passion and the lessons from sport endure beyond trophies.

Special Guest Dr. John Seyiekhrietuo, State Nodal Officer of AYUSH and President, Angami Catholic Union (ACU), spoke on broader social concerns.

He pointed to rising unemployment in Nagaland and urged the youth to pursue entrepreneurship instead of waiting for government jobs.

Dr. Seyiekhrietuo also stressed the value of sportsmanship, teamwork and resilience.

Auxiliary Bishop Jose Puthenveetil of Faridabad, also shared his delight in witnessing Catholic youth from “every nook and corner” come together for the tournament.

In the men’s volleyball category, St John Evangelist Church, Khonoma emerged as champions, with St Paul Church, Phesama finishing runners-up.

In the women’s division, St Francis of Assisi Parish, Lazami clinched the title, defeating St Francis de Sales, Tening.

The tug-of-war competition saw St Xavier Parish, Kidima, take first place, followed by St John the Evangelist Parish, Khonoma and St Joseph’s Parish, Tseminyu in second and third place respectively.

Earlier, welcome address was delivered by Rev. Sr. Mariyam Chothe, Lady Animator of NCYM while vote of thanks was proposed by NCYM General Secretary, Veronica Nriame.

Women’s awards
•    Best Discipline: St Joseph’s Centre, Songlhuh
•    Best Player: Mhiesimenuo Margaret (St John the Evangelist, Khonoma)
•    Best Spiker: Niuli Helena (St Francis of Assisi, Lazami)
•    Best Setter: Livitoli Agnes (St Francis of Assisi, Lazami)

Men’s awards
•    Best Discipline: Christ the King Centre, Phuvkiu
•    Best Player: Mhiesilieto Edmund (St John the Evangelist Parish, Khonoma)
•    Best Spiker: Kekhrieselie Kevin (St Paul Parish, Phesama)
•    Best Setter: Mezhüse Martin (St John the Evangelist, Khonoma)