Enoch S Wotsa urges Sumi Aphuyemi youths to pursue sports with discipline and aspire to compete at the Olympic Games
DIMAPUR— Councillor of Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), Enoch S Wotsa, has emphasised the importance of perseverance, discipline and hard work in achieving success in sports, while urging Sumi Aphuyemi youths to aspire to compete at the international level and represent their community on prestigious platforms such as the Olympic Games.
Wotsa was speaking as the guest of honour at the first SABTF open penalty shoot-out tournament organised by the Sumi Aphuyemi Baptist Theological Fellowship (SABAK), Pughoboto, at Pughoboto local ground on October 17.
Highlighting the achievements of Sumi Aphuyemi youths in various fields, Wotsa expressed joy and gratitude over their progress in competitive examinations such as the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB), as well as in sports.
He also cited Tolino’s success in securing a place in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) through the UPSC examination as a matter of pride and honour for the Aphuyemi community.
He noted that these achievements were the result of sustained efforts and initiatives undertaken over the years, which had played an important role in shaping the younger generation.
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Wotsa also expressed gratitude to church ministries, pastors and church leaders for consistently organising programmes that integrate sports, fellowship and spiritual education.
He said such initiatives had helped identify and nurture young talent while instilling moral values, strengthening faith and cultivating God-fearing character among youths.
He observed that the discipline, humility, integrity and good conduct demonstrated by Aphuyemi youths had earned them respect and appreciation, bringing honour to the community.
He stressed that the church’s role in providing spiritual guidance alongside meaningful activities was vital for the holistic development of young people.
Describing the tournament as an important initiative that combined sports with the Word of God, Wotsa urged participants and organisers to look beyond the sporting activities and recognise the occasion as an opportunity to seek God’s blessings and guidance for the future of Sumi Aphuyemi youths.
He encouraged everyone to participate wholeheartedly and uphold the spirit of unity, sportsmanship and fellowship, while appreciating all those who had dedicated their time and efforts to the spiritual and social development of the community’s youth.
Quoting renowned sprinter Usain Bolt, Wotsa highlighted the importance of patience and perseverance, citing the athlete’s words: “I trained for four years to run for nine seconds, and people give up when they don’t see results in two months.”
He emphasised that perseverance, discipline and hard work were essential for aspiring athletes to reach professional levels.
He also expressed hope that Aphuyemi youths would one day compete on the international sporting stage, including the Olympic Games, bringing recognition and honour to their community.
In the tournament, Chisholimi Baptist Church emerged as champions of the inaugural SABTF Open Penalty Shoot-Out Tournament.
Fearless FC, Kohima, secured the first runners-up position, while Awoto of Fearless FC was awarded best goalkeeper.