5th Bishop Abraham Memorial Tournament begins at St. Joseph’s College

DIMAPUR — The 5th edition of the Bishop Abraham Memorial Tournament (BAMT) began on Tuesday at St. Joseph’s (Autonomous) College, Jakhama, with athletes assembling for the three-day volleyball tournament themed “Run with faith, rise in glory”.

According to an update, a total of 58 volleyball teams — 30 men’s and 28 women’s — are competing, with a special highlight being the participation of teams made up of priests and nuns.

The winners of the 5th BAMT will receive a cash prize of INR 50,000 in both the men’s and women’s categories, while the runners-up will each get INR 30,000. Losing semi-finalists will be awarded INR 10,000 each. Additional cash prizes will be given for Best Discipline Team, Best Player, Best Spiker, and Best Setter in both categories.

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An addition to this edition is the tug-of-war competition, with the winners receiving INR 10,000, the first runners-up INR 7,000, and the second runners-up INR 5,000.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by State Information Commissioner and Advisor Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), Nosazol Charles, as the special guest, and Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, bishop of Kohima, as the guest of honour.

Charles, while addressing the gathering, recalled his younger days with Lt. Bishop Abraham, the first bishop of Kohima, describing him as a leader loved by the people and deeply committed to youth and lay associations. He noted that the CAN, founded in 1983, was Bishop Abraham’s brainchild, making it fitting that the NCYM organises his memorial tournament every three years to honour his legacy.

He highlighted the values of sports, including unity, inspiration, discipline, character, and camaraderie, emphasising that the journey and bonding matter as much as winning. He encouraged participants to see the tournament as a celebration of their hard work and talent and thanked the organisers for fostering a sporting culture that inspires youth.

Charles also urged the youth to learn lessons of goodness and faith in God, reminding them to remain steadfast in their baptismal vows, resist negativity, and persevere in righteousness.

Rev. Fr. Kokto Kurian, director of NCYM, paid tribute to late Rt. Rev. Abraham Alangimattathil, SDB, in whose name the tournament is held.

Born on July 11, 1933, in Paika, Kerala, Bishop Abraham joined the Salesians, was ordained in 1964, and became the first bishop of Kohima in 1973.

Fr. Kurian said that the late bishop’s episcopal motto, “A loving service to God and man”, guided his life until his passing on November 18, 1997. Under his leadership, the diocese grew from 10,000 Catholics and six parishes to over 64,000 Catholics, 39 parishes, and 19 centres at present, acknowledging his missionary zeal, visionary leadership, and love for his people.

Fr. Kurian emphasised that Bishop Abraham’s life shows that true greatness lies in integrity, dedication, and service. Just as the late bishop built the diocese with patience and faith, he urged the youth to build their lives spiritually, intellectually, and morally. Sports, he said, is a school for character, teaching teamwork, discipline, and perseverance in honour of Bishop Abraham’s legacy.

Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, bishop of Kohima, highlighted the achievements of Catholic youth in the diocese, noting that a commendable number of young people have cleared various competitive exams and excelled in different fields over the year.

He announced that the diocese is willing to support two students each year who are seriously preparing for the Indian civil service examinations.

The bishop urged the youth to pursue professionalism, complete tasks assigned to them with dedication, and cultivate a healthy competitive spirit, character, and social concern. Furthermore, he encouraged young Catholics to diversify their careers, including pursuing politics and social leadership, emphasising the need for more Catholics in leadership roles.