First state indigenous games competition underway

Kohima, Dec. 13 (EMN): With an aim to promote Naga indigenous games and to commemorate Dr. T Ao’s  100^th birth anniversary, the department of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) organised the first ever state level indigenous games meet.

Advisor of the YRS, Zale Neikha graced the event as special guest and declared the two days indigenous game tournament open at Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS) in Kohima on Dec. 13.

He  stressed that “Nagas ought to take pride in playing our traditional games in best of spirits.” One should teach and encourage the younger generation to learn and master the art of these games; “before all of it is lost,” he said.

He was disheartened at the “fast disappearing” traditional games and “its art almost at stake,” which were once played by the forefathers. He believed that organising such competition will encourage youngsters to participate and revive those traditional games.

The advisor was of the opinion that these games will be able to catch the attention of the world with proper management. He pointed out that the Japanese Sumo wrestling was promoted to the highest level that the world now knows about their indigenous game. So, also, Neikha hoped that the department will continue to promote the Naga indigenous games.

A total of ten male participants from each were selected to participate in four indigenous games including cockfight, grease bamboo pole climbing, stilt bamboo race, tug of war. This time around there is no female competitors, yet the department look forward for the female players in near future.

The IGS girls demonstrated the Indigenous game “tholi” (Angami for traditional dice game), which was followed by the competition. The director of Youth Resources and Sports, Akumla Chuba launched two new uniforms—male and female players of the indigenous games.