Atoizu Sports Meet 2026 brings villages together through football, volleyball, futsal and badminton competitions.
DIMAPUR — The two-day Atoizu Sports Meet 2026, organised by Kulolau Atoizumi Küqhakulu (KAK) under the theme “Bound by Roots: United in Play,” concluded on October 20, bringing together participating villages and communities through various competitions.
Held on October 19 and the 20th, the meet saw participation at village and area levels, with events aimed at promoting sportsmanship, fellowship and unity among the people of Atoizu.
The football, volleyball, futsal and badminton events were inaugurated by different guests. Kahuli Sema, Independent Director of Engineers India Limited, graced the volleyball inaugural function as the special guest, while Mhabeni Aketo Chophi, a government-registered Class-I contractor, attended the football inaugural function as the special guest.
In her address, Chophi highlighted the achievements of sportspersons from Nagaland who had made a name for themselves despite challenges and encouraged young people to pursue sports with dedication, discipline and perseverance. She also stressed that sports could provide career opportunities and livelihoods, beyond recreation and competition.
The badminton event was inaugurated by Mghato Achumi, Secretary of the Nagaland Khadi and Village Industries Board, while Khekishe Aye, GB of New Market and proprietor of AWSA Security, inaugurated the futsal event.
The meet featured competitions across the four disciplines with teams from different villages competing in various categories. In football, Coco emerged as champions, while Apukito finished runners-up. Apukito won the men’s volleyball title, with Coco as runners-up, while Emlo-To claimed the women’s volleyball championship, followed by Coco. Usutomi Village won the futsal title, with Vekuhomi Village finishing runners-up.
The badminton competitions included men’s open doubles, men’s doubles for the 45-plus and 55-plus age groups, women’s doubles and mixed doubles.
Players from Yesholuto, Naghuto, Rotomi, Vekuho and other participating villages featured among the winners and runners-up.
The closing and prize distribution ceremony was graced by Picto Shohe, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Advisor for New and Renewable Energy, as the chief guest. Drawing from his own experience in sports, Shohe encouraged young people to participate in sporting activities, highlighting their importance for both achievement and good health.
The meet also recognised participation and sportsmanship, with awards presented for discipline and community support. The Face of Atoizu Award was conferred on 106-year-old Tsaika in recognition of his presence and support from the inaugural ceremony through to the conclusion of the event.
KAK expressed gratitude to the participating teams, players, officials, guests and supporters, stating that the meet reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sports, encouraging emerging talent and strengthening bonds among the people.