Abu Metha, Keoshu Yimkhiung with other dignitaries and participants of 68th National School Games (U-19 Girls Sepak Takraw) in Kohima on November 25. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 25
The 68th National School Games in the discipline of Under-19 Girls Sepak Takraw commenced today at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Gracing the inaugural function as the special guest, Abu Metha, advisor to Chief Minister of Nagaland and vice president Athletics Federation of India, maintained that sport has power to unify people and it brings people together.
Nagaland, though a small state, has contributed a lot to sports sector in India, he said.
“Our sportspersons have represented India in the international meets, including Asian Games and Olympics,” Metha said, who is also secretary general of Nagaland Olympic Association.
Welcoming 17 teams in this 68th National School Games in Kohima, he asserted that joining this event and representing their respective states “itself is a big achievement.”
Describing Sepak Takraw as a wonderful game, Metha said “You need stamina, you need endurance, skills and high sense of concentration.”
He encouraged the player to inculcate team work to excel in sports.
Metha also challenged the players to run extra mile to become a champion.
“Each of you has potential to become Asian Games champion, world and Olympic champion,” he said adding that if they are committed, disciplined and work, they will win and will be recognised.
“Everything is possible in this world if you work hard,” Metha added.
‘True spirit of the games lies in unity’
Also speaking on the occasion, S. Keoshu Yimkhiung, Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports, Govt of Nagaland said “As we stand on this platform, we are not just celebrating a sport; we are celebrating the spirit of youth, the dedication to excellence, and the limitless potential of our young athletes.”
Stating that Sepak Takraw is not just a game, he said “it is an art form, a sport that beautifully combines grace with power, precision with strategy and individual skill with teamwork.”
“It requires not only physical agility but also immense mental strength and coordination,” he said.
Over the years, we have seen an incredible surge in the participation and achievements of women in various fields, including sports, he said adding “Girls like you are leading the charge, breaking barriers and proving that there is no limit to what you can achieve.”
While competition is the essence of sports, let us remember that the true spirit of the games lies in unity, friendship, and mutual respect, he said.
“Let these games be an opportunity to build bonds that go beyond the court, bonds that connect athletes from different states, cultures, and backgrounds. This is where diversity meets the spirit of oneness, and where sports transcend boundaries to bring us together,” the advisor added.
SGFI wants Nagaland to host more NSGs
Himanshu Shukla, Field Officer, School Games Federation of India (SGFI) commended host Nagaland for good management of the event.
He wanted to see that Government of Nagaland host more such events in the coming years as well.
He informed that 84 players, representing 17 teams registered for this 68th National School Games in Kohima, which will conclude on November 28.
17 teams include; Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Vidhya Bharati, Manipur, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Kerala, Delhi, Bihar, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
The event, being held under the aegis of SGFI, is managed by Department of Youth Resources & Sports Nagaland and globalsports as sponsor.
Earlier, Nagaland’s Youth Resources & Sports director Kethosituo Sekhose chaired the inaugural function while Youth Resources & Sports secretary Anthony Ngullie delivered welcome address.
Nagaland Sepaktakraw Association president Ruokuo Kire, Nagaland Football Association president K. Neibou Sekhose, Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission chairman Obed Quinker, Nagaland State Mineral Development Cooperation chairman Kuputo Shohe, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) CYO president Imchatoba Imchen and Roko Angami, Officer on Special Duty (Sports), Department of Youth Resources and Sports Nagaland and several other dignitaries present at the inaugural function.
Meanwhile, Nagaland’s school education & SCERT advisor Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome will grace the closing ceremony on November 27 at 3:00 PM.
Day 1 Result
Group A
Manipur beat Delhi
Rajasthan beat Delhi
Manipur beat Nagaland
Nagaland beat Rajasthan
Group B
Bihar beat Tamil Nadu
Maharashtra beat Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra beat Bihar
Maharashtra beat Tamil Nadu
Group C
Odisha beat Vidhya Bharati
Gujarat beat Odisha
Odisha beat Telangana
Group D
Kerala beat Andhra Pradesh
Assam beat Jharkhand
Kerala beat Jharkhand
Assam beat Punjab
Kerala beat Assam
