Dimapur, March 9 (EMN): The 14th Sumi Hoho Trophy organised by Sumi Games and Sports Association at Suruhuto town culminated on Wednesday.
Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia in his short speech during the closing ceremony thanked the organisers for inviting him and his team to Suruhuto. He encouraged the people to ‘always come back to their roots or home and give back what they have given you, help in development so that you also promote and help other people who are not as fortunate or as gifted as you and make sure to be with them and support them during the physical times like the pandemic’.
He also added that after due consultation with Jakhalu, they decided that in a few days they would select coaches from Suruhuto, train them in Sikkim or Siliguri, ‘so that after training they will return and train the people back at home’.
Meanwhile,Wing Commander Akheto Jakhalu (VSM) Project Director IAF (Nagaland) attended the closing ceremony as guest of honour.
An update from DPRO Suruhuto stated that Jakhalu thanked Bhaichung and his team for their presence and added that the exhibition match was ‘not only for fun but also a historic day for the Sumi people’. He expressed hope that in the future, Sumi people will represent the Nagas not only at the national but international level as well. He said that sports teaches one to be disciplined, to respect authority and that in life,’ we cannot do anything without teamwork.’
He further encouraged the parents to let their children focus on extracurricular activities and sports activities if they want them to grow; he also urged the village councils to encourage sports in their respective villages if they want to see their village develop.
In the exhibition match played between Bhaichung 11 USFC Vs Sumi 11 FC , the match ended in a draw, as both teams failed to score at full time.
In the women’s volleyball final match played between Pughoboto and Highway, Pughoboto emerged victorious while in the men’s volleyball, Akuluto (VK) defeated Kuhuboto to emerge as volleyball champion.
In the final football match, Kuhuboto defeated Niuland 2-0 to emerge as champion.