Our Reporter
Dimapur, Nov. 23 (EMN): The 3rd All Nagaland Dr. Imkongliba Ao Memorial Open Volleyball Trophy kicked off on Wednesday with Temjen Imna Along as the chief host.
During the three-day tournament, eight teams -- MH-10 Red, Elite Skippers, Mustang club, Chienino Brothers Kiruphema, Spartan Club Lakhuni, Changtongya Volleyball Association, Eimi Skippers and MH-10 Green -- will be vying for the coveted trophy.
The champions of the trophy will be awarded a cash prize of INR 1,50,000; INR 80,000 for the first runners-up and INR 40,000 for the second runners-up team. Meanwhile INR 10,000 each will be given to the best spiker, best setter, and player of the tournament.
Meanwhile, addressing during the inaugural programme, Minister of Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along, shared that unity has to be lived and not just be written.
'We should stop speaking of the narrow geographical lines of tribalism or land and borders, because no one is going to take it with them to their graves but everyone is going alone and turning to dust,' he said.
“We have to accept the fact that we are one people and that is the message that has to go strongly to more than 2000 villages of Nagaland,” he asserted.
Stating that Nagas have misused the word ‘unity’, he urged to live as united Nagas and make a commitment to live in unity beyond all the narrow domestic walls that want to break the people.
‘The silence of the 17 tribes in the state who are intellectuals and who understand that only if we are united we shall be strong, are silent today because of the divisive walls of nepotism, hypocrisy and tribalism and we are divided in Nagaland, ‘he said.
‘We choose not to stand with a divided Nagaland but to stand with a united Nagaland as one people,’ he maintained.
Speaking about sports, he shared that the height of Nagas might be a matter of concern but the agility and commitment with which Nagas youth can play will one day push them to the national and international fields because “if we try nothing is impossible”.
‘Dreams are not so difficult if you try hard and remain committed to it,’ he said. Further, he said, ‘If you fall, you have the opportunity to rise, and if you are committed then I am sure in another edition of tournament you will do well.’
Atomi Swu, vice president of Western Sumi Hoho, shared that sports help develop and foster the spirit of sportsmanship, competitiveness, teamwork, vision, planning, strategy, honesty, respect for both opponents and the rules of the game and thus respect in general.
‘As the youth of the state are struggling with the challenge of employment and livelihood there is a great need to explore new economic avenues and one of the greatest opportunities available is in the area of sports with the Nagas having a natural athleticism,’ he added.
President of Dimapur Naga Students’ Union Moayanger Jamir also appreciated the organisers for providing a platform for ‘oneness and friendship’. He urged the gathering to march together with unity and mend the broken relationship.