Bishop Abraham Memorial Tournament concludes at Jakhama

DIMAPUR — The 5th edition of the Bishop Abraham Memorial Tournament, organised by the Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) and hosted by the Southern Angami Catholic Union (SACU), concluded on Thursday at St. Joseph’s (Autonomous) College, Jakhama.

According to an update, the three-day event brought together Catholic youth from across Nagaland and featured volleyball and tug-of-war competitions for both men and women.

Addressing the gathering as guest of honour, Col. Satya Narain of the 44 Mountain Brigade, Zakhama, underlined the importance of participation over winning. He said sports should be embraced as a platform to learn, grow and enjoy, rather than being viewed as a mere race for titles.

Sharing his personal love for volleyball, he recalled his younger days as a player before a finger injury ended his playing career, noting that passion and the lessons from sport endure beyond trophies.

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

Special guest Dr. John Seyiekhrietuo, state nodal officer of AYUSH and president of the Angami Catholic Union (ACU), drew attention to rising unemployment in Nagaland and urged youth to consider entrepreneurship rather than relying solely on government jobs. He also emphasised the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork and resilience.

Auxiliary Bishop Jose Puthenveetil of Faridabad expressed his joy at witnessing Catholic youth from “every nook and corner” come together for the tournament.

In the men’s volleyball category, St. John Evangelist Church, Khonoma, emerged as champions, while St. Paul Church, Phesama, finished runners-up. In the women’s division, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Lazami, clinched the title by defeating St. Francis de Sales, Tening.

The tug-of-war competition saw St. Xavier Parish, Kidima, secure first place, followed by St. John the Evangelist Parish, Khonoma, in second and St. Joseph’s Parish, Tseminyu, in third.

In the women’s awards, St. Joseph’s Centre, Songlhuh, received the Best Discipline award. Mhiesimenuo Margaret of St. John the Evangelist, Khonoma, was named Best Player. Niuli Helena of St. Francis of Assisi, Lazami, won Best Spiker, while Livitoli Agnes of St. Francis of Assisi, Lazami, was awarded Best Setter.

In the men’s awards, Christ the King Centre, Phuvkiu, received the Best Discipline award. Mhiesilieto Edmund of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Khonoma, was named Best Player. Kekhrieselie Kevin of St. Paul Parish, Phesama, won Best Spiker, while Mezhüse Martin of St. John the Evangelist, Khonoma, was awarded Best Setter.