Students compete in running race on the inaugural day of the third Inter-District GHSS & GHS Tournament 2025 at the local ground in Medziphema on March 25.
Our Correspondent
Medziphema | March 25
The third edition of the Inter-District Government Higher Secondary Schools (GHSS) and Government High Schools (GHS) Tournament 2025 was officially inaugurated today at the local ground in Medziphema.
Chairing the opening ceremony, Physical Education Officer Vitsolie Keyho informed that about 500 students from all districts are participating in the three-day tournament, competing in 14 events.
The events include Sepaktakraw, 100m and 200m races, long jump, javelin, and discus throw for both boys and girls. It will also feature a volleyball competition and a 1500m race for boys, as well as self-defence and an 800m race for girls.
Participants from all 16 districts of Nagaland are taking part in the three-day event, which is being played at three locations—Local Ground, GHSS Ground Medziphema, and Indoor Stadium Medziphema.
Gracing the inaugural event as the Special Guest, Advisor for School Education & SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, emphasised the importance of sports in education, discipline, and character building.
Stating that sports foster competition, friendship, and personal growth among students, he hinted at expanding the event to other parts of the state, with Tuensang as the next possible host.
Dr Yhome also stressed the unifying power of sports and its global significance, urging students to take inspiration from Olympian Chekrovolu Swuro and Paralympian Hokato Hotozhe Sema. He expressed hope that 15-20 years from now, some students would excel globally and bring laurels to the state.
He also highlighted the importance of physical activity, noting that while Nagas come from an agrarian background, younger generations are engaging less in physical work.
The Advisor further informed that Nagaland has 32 Khelo India centres under the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, which are being reviewed for better coordination and development.
He pointed to the Department of School Education’s collaboration with GIS Remote Sensing to map all play areas in Nagaland, noting that nearly every village has a volleyball court and that local grounds serve as vital community spaces.
He also highlighted the visit of Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, to the state and said that she appreciated the floral arrangements during her stay, emphasising how simple efforts can make Nagaland stand out.
The state’s school choral competitions, as well as the achievement of a choral group from Nagaland in the World Choral Championship, were also noted by the Advisor.
In this connection, he encouraged students to maximise available opportunities and assured that the state government, through the Union Ministry, is working to enhance school sports facilities, including indoor and outdoor infrastructure.
He urged students and sportspersons to approach challenges with confidence and professionalism, noting the importance of body language in achieving excellence.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sports development under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is also the president of the Nagaland Olympic Association.
Dr Yhome further stated that the government would identify talented student-athletes and place them in training academies to nurture their potential, ultimately bringing pride to the state.
The contributions of student mentors, teachers, and officials were also acknowledged.
The oath-taking ceremony was led by the Competition Director, Neilazetuo Khezhie, after which the special guest officially declared the tournament open.
Sponsored by Samagra Shiksha, Nagaland, the tournament aims to foster sportsmanship and healthy competition among students from GHSS and GHS across Nagaland.
The tournament will culminate on March 27.
