The 24th MBE Zhuikhu Memorial Trophy Gold Cup five-day sports event, organised by the Western Sumi Sports’ Association (WSSA) that kicked off on January 11, at Shokhuvi village under Agahuto area, concluded on Saturday.
Speaking at the closing ceremony as guest of honour, secretary general of Nagaland state JD(U) party and intending candidate from 5- Ghaspani-II, Kitoho S Rotokha, said that many youngsters have trained from this ground and have participated in both state and national level.
He acknowledged the potential for talented athletes in the area to compete in the national and state levels but highlighted lack of proper practice and infrastructure as a barrier to success.
‘Khelo India is supposed to provide infrastructural development and training in different fields, but due to partiality from the government, they were not done properly and it is one reason why sports is not developing as it should be,’ he opined.
Rotokha mentioned that the main motive is to promote sports not only at the national but also in the international level and encouraged the players be determined and disciplined to achieve success.
He also advised the players to take sports seriously and have bigger dreams, adding that those Naga athletes who are currently making Nagas proud should be felicitated.
He expressed willingness to sponsor any youth who is serious about sports, while stressing on skill development and dignity of labour.
In the final football match, Pimla emerged as the champion of the tournament by defeating Kuhoxu team 4-3 in a tie breaker.
Kakhevi of Kuhoxu team was declared as the best player, Tonoka Chophi of Kuhoxu team was adjudged as the best goal keeper and Hekato of Pimla team was declared as best defender; Ato Area team was declared as fair play team of the tournament.
Hassa team emerged as the champion by defeating Khaghaboto in the final match of the under-16 football.
Hassa team won the women’s badminton by defeating Shokhuvi team in the final, while Toli Assumi of Hassa team was declared as the best player.
East Dimapur (B) team was declared as the winner in the men’s badminton by defeating East Dimapur (A), while Anahito Aye of East Dimapur (B) team was declared as best player.
Kikheyi team emerged as the winner by defeating Hassa team in the men’s volleyball final, while Avika Chopi of Kikheyi team was declared as best player, Kukavi Assumi of Hassa team was declared as best spiker and Vikaho Achumi of Hassa team won the best setter.