Nagaland tourism director Veyielo Doulo officials of TVC and players.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 11
The Tragopan Club Viswema (TVC) today celebrated its 42nd Club Day by holding the 9th Nagaland Open Pcheda Championship and 3rd Torü Ke-rha Championship at Watch Tower, R Khel Viswema in Kohima district.
Pcheda is an indigenous game, mostly play by Southern Angamis of Kohima district.
Gracing the inaugural session as the special guest, Veyielo Doulo, Director of Tourism Department, Nagaland, appreciated the motto of the club ‘Strength lies in unity’ and encouraged them to uphold understanding and oneness to take up greater things in future.
Pointing out that the club’s name Tragopan is the state bird, Doulo urged them to take initiative towards protection and preservation of Tragopan and conservation of the rich biodiversity of the Southern Angami area.
Further, as the tourism director, he also encouraged the people of the area to come up with eco-tourism activities including home-stays, tour operators and tourist guide to enhance the economy. In this, Doulo assured all support from the department.
Delivering the welcome address, Tragopan Club president Mahe Kin said that day marks the celebration of the unity, heritage and the rich tradition that defines the people of the area. Compered by Videto Neikha, the inaugural session commenced with prayer by Associate Pastor of Viswema Baptist Church Vireto Theyo while Field Marshal Viraseto Neikha and Chieftain Zholesanü Pusa shared the rules and regulations of Pcheda and Torü Ke-rha respectively. Tragopan Club Viswema Advisor Vichosel Rhütso proposed vote of thanks.
Pcheda and Torü Ke-rha are traditional Angami games. Pcheda is a competition for male only where they have to throw thin dried bamboo sticks from a set distance on a solid mud platform. Torü Ke-rha is a group competition among females.
In Pcheda championship, 88 men from different villages competed with Vizawhel Toso emerged champion to receive a cash award of Rs 30,000. Zeyieho Kin, Sweyievi Chaya and Avi Chaya bagged the second, third and fourth positions and got Rs 20000, Rs 10000 and Rs 5000 respectively. Best player went to Vivohoto Sothu while youngest player award went to Kenotho Sothu. They got Rs 1000 each.
Pchekho (Pcheda platform) winners are – Nokiehol Vitsu, Vivoto Naleo, Metol Neikha and Merihol Kin.
They got Rs 2000 each In the Torü Ke-rha, four teams competed with Lomu Group of R Khel emerging champion and Lomu Group of Z Khel taking the second place to receive Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively. Vikunu Neikha bagged the best player award and received Rs 1000.
