Players of Kiyeto Youth Club pose for a photo after winning the Men’s football title at Kiyeto village in Chümoukedima on October 3. (Photo Courtesy: Vebuto Rhakho)
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13th UAVYO Annual Sports Meet 2026 concludes
H Anguvi Chishi
Kiyeto | October 3
Kiyeto Youth Club (KYC) staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Diezephe Youth Organisation (DYO) 2-1 and lift the Men’s Football title of the 13th Urra Area Villages’ Youth Organisation (UAVYO) Sports Meet 2026 at the Kiyeto Village Local Ground on Saturday, ending an eight-year wait for the coveted championship.
The final lived up to the expectations of spectators and supporters who gathered at the village ground, with firecrackers adding to the electrifying atmosphere even before the match began.
The encounter proved to be a closely contested affair, with both teams battling for possession and control from the opening whistle. The intensity remained high until the final whistle, with players from both sides giving everything in their bid to secure the championship.
For KYC, the victory marked the return of the title to Kiyeto after eight years. The home side, playing in red, had endured several years of disappointment in its attempts to reclaim the championship, making Saturday’s victory particularly significant for the club and its supporters.
For DYO, the final was an opportunity to win the prestigious championship title, but the team saw its advantage slip away after KYC mounted a second-half comeback.
DYO started strongly and took the lead in the 23rd minute through Rukubilhu (10). The DYO player produced an impressive individual effort, dribbling past three KYC defenders before sending the ball into the back of the net.
KYC responded with several attacking moves but struggled to find the equaliser. James Sumi came close in the 25th minute when he attempted a shot following a cross from the right flank, but his effort went a few feet wide of the goalpost.
DYO held on to its 1-0 advantage until half-time.
The second half saw KYC intensify its search for an equaliser, while DYO looked to protect its lead and create opportunities to extend the advantage. The tension among the supporters grew as both teams continued to battle for possession.
KYC eventually found the breakthrough in the 56th minute when Kitoka Aye (2) scored the equaliser.
The move leading to the goal involved a series of quick passes as KYC used a one-two passing combination to work its way through the DYO defence. Kitoka received the final pass and made no mistake in converting the opportunity to bring KYC level.
The home side then completed the turnaround to take a 2-1 lead.
KYC won a corner, and confusion inside the crowded DYO penalty area followed after the goalkeeper failed to hold the ball. The loose ball fell under the legs of Kuhovi Zhimo (13), who reacted quickly to push it into the net and give KYC the lead.
The goal sent the home supporters into celebration as KYC moved within minutes of reclaiming the championship.
DYO refused to give up and continued to look for opportunities to restore parity during the closing stages. KYC, meanwhile, defended resolutely and worked to prevent the DYO forwards from finding space inside the penalty area.
The final minutes saw both teams continue to battle intensely, with players falling to the ground after giving their all on the field. Supporters remained engrossed in the action as DYO searched for an opening and KYC fought to preserve its narrow advantage.
However, DYO could not find the equaliser before the referee blew the final whistle, confirming Kiyeto Youth Club as the Men’s Football champions of the 13th UAVYO Sports Meet 2026.
The victory ended KYC’s eight-year wait for the championship and brought the coveted football title back to Kiyeto, giving the home side and its supporters a memorable celebration on their own ground.
In Men’s Volleyball, Singrijan KYO defeated KYC in a five-set grand final to claim the championship trophy.
In Women’s Volleyball, Sangtamtila defeated Diezephe Youth Organisation to take the championship title.
Individual awards were also presented to outstanding performers across the three events.
Viboto of KYC was adjudged the Men’s Football ‘Player of the Tournament’, while Nuhukho of DYO received the Golden Boot for scoring the highest number of goals throughout the tournament.
Ekonthung of DYO was awarded the Golden Glove.
Asik of Singrijan KYO was declared the Men’s Volleyball ‘Player of the Tournament’, while Ruth of Sangtamtila Village received the Women’s Volleyball ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.
The closing ceremony was graced by Urra Area Villages’ Union (UAVU) president Kiesalie Thophi.
Addressing the gathering, Thophi urged the youth to promote and preserve the peace and harmony enjoyed by the Urra Area villages.
Emphasising the importance of unity, he called upon the youth to maintain and foster the spirit of brotherhood and oneness among the communities.
The closing programme was chaired by Yeshika Kiho, while UAVYO vice-president Nuvoto Lohe proposed the vote of thanks.
Rhon Humtsoe presented a special song, and Kiboli A Yeptho, Youth Pastor, KGBA, pronounced the benediction.
The 13th UAVYO Annual Sports Meet brought together youth from the Urra Area villages for competition in football and volleyball, with the concluding ceremony marking the end of the 2026 edition.
