38th Kükami Trophy of Zunheboto Area Sports Association kicks off

DIMAPUR — The 38th Zunheboto Area Sports Association (ZASA) Kükami Trophy began at the District Sports Council Ground, Zunheboto, on Monday. The tournament will continue till January 17.

The opening ceremony was attended by Kitoho S Rotokha, former deputy chairperson of the Zunheboto Town Council (ZTC) and vice president of the Sumi Hoho, as the chief guest, stated an update.

Addressing the gathering, Rotokha stressed the need to revive and retrospect the functioning of ZASA. He pointed out that the association has been using the same ground for more than three decades without proper infrastructure.

He highlighted that soft power, like sports, music, and culture, has no barriers and urged youths to pursue their talents with dedication. Citing the overemployment in the government sector in Nagaland, which has gone beyond saturated points, he emphasised the need to acquire skills to create opportunities.

He also encouraged greater focus and interest in skill development and sports and cautioned against compromising "traditional titles", stating that the Sumi and Yimchunger tribes are among those with hereditary village chieftainship systems.

He further highlighted that Article 371(A) protects the people of Nagaland and advised focusing on long-term benefits rather than instant gains. He also called for serious attention towards the development of a standard turf football ground.

Delivering greetings, Iloka Shohe, president of the Sumi Games and Sports Association, stated that the present generation has opportunities to earn through sports. He emphasised that the association is dedicated to shaping and moulding sportspeople and assured financial support for young athletes willing to pursue coaching classes.

Highlighting the issue of unemployment, he noted that over 70,000 youths are job seekers due to a lack of skills and stressed the importance of skill development.