Colourful opening ceremony kicks off 63rd KVSA meet

Kohima, Jan. 13 (EMN): A glittering opening ceremony of the 63rd Kohima Village Sports Association (KVSA) meet kicked off to a spectacular start with colorful extravaganza at the Kohima local ground (Khuociezhie) on Sat. For the first time, since the sports meet began in 1944, sparkling lights illuminated all over the historic Khouciezhie and an evening to remember in the history of Kohima Village Sports meet. Around 1500 crowd were enthralled with the four competing Khels namely Lhisemia-Khel, Dapfhütsumia-Khel, Pfuchatsumia-Khel and Tsütuonuomia-Khel marching in the ground, with the band party of their respective Khels accompanying the contingents. Adding to the colour and grandeur young children from the four Khels- P. Khel, T. Khel, D. Khel and L.Khel displayed drill, special melodies, shadow act (Zhowe Riile) and talent display formed part of the opening ceremony. KVSA theme song entitled “Kewhimia” was sung by the youth numbering 100 and another surprised package was Shadow Act (Zhowe Riile) which depicted how the KVSA meet started in 1944, from traditional blending to the modernity. The main guest Dr. Neiphi Kire, chairman Kohima Village Council in his address, appreciated the Kohima Village Youth Organization (KVYO) for hosting the sports meet in the true spirit of oneness and togetherness amongst the Kohima Village. Kire hoped that the state government will also invest more on the sports and games expressing happiness that the state government was giving due important to such as music,and culture. The chairman also urged upon the sports persons to give their best in taking part in any sporting activities. Earlier at Thevokemouzie in Kohima Village where the first KVSA meet was held in 1944, the KVSA Torch was lighted with blessings by Lhouvizhii Sachii, Pastor CRCKV and was carried by 11 outstanding sporting personalities of yesteryears which was finally lighted-up the flame. Golden-throated barbet (Pezhie-ra) is the mascot of the meet which has been christened as ‘Kekuokeyho’, which translated is ‘mightier and stronger’. A total of 44 gold medals will be up for grabs in various disciplines – athletics, indoor and outdoor games, and traditional wrestling- for 400 athletes who will be competing in the week-long sporting event which will go on till Jan. 19.