Inter-district GHSS & GHS tournament kicks off in Medziphema
Inter-district GHSS & GHS tournament kicks off in Medziphema
Bringing together 500 students from 16 districts across Nagaland, the Inter-District Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) and Government High School (GHS) Tournament 2025 officially commenced on Tuesday at Local Ground, Medziphema
500 students from 16 districts across Nagaland in action!
Students competing in the 100m race at Local Ground,
Medziphema on Tuesday. (EM Images)
MEDZIPHEMA — The
Inter-District Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) and Government High
School (GHS) Tournament 2025 officially commenced on Tuesday at Local Ground,
Medziphema, bringing together 500 students from 16 districts across Nagaland.
Funded by Samagra Shiksha Nagaland, this highly three-day
event will culminate on March 27, featuring competitions in 14 sporting
disciplines, including volleyball, self-defense, sprint races, long-distance
running, long jump, javelin, and discus throw.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie
Yhome, Advisor for School Education and SCERT, emphasised that the tournament
is more than just a competition. This tournament is the best opportunity for
students to compete with each other and make friends from across the state, he
remarked.
Reflecting on the event’s growing stature, he expressed hope
that the ecosystem will improve and hinted that the fourth edition could be
hosted in Tuensang.
Dr. Yhome highlighted the power of sports to unite people
and inspire greatness, citing the achievements of Olympian Chekrovolu Swuro and
Paralympian Hokato Hotozhe Sema as examples of how perseverance can lead to
global success.
“It is our dream that in 15-20 years, some of you, our
children, will excel globally and bring laurels to us,” he encouraged, urging
students to seize every opportunity to grow as athletes.
The Advisor also shared insights into Nagaland’s sports
development initiatives, including the Khelo India scheme, which has 32 centres
across the state. He assured students that the government is working on
strengthening these facilities to foster emerging talent.
Noting the shifting lifestyle patterns among Naga youth, he
stressed the importance of physical activity for overall well-being, urging
students to stay active even in an era where traditional agrarian lifestyles
are fading.
Additionally, he revealed that Nagaland’s School Education
Department is coordinating with the GIS Remote Sensing Department to map all
play areas in the state, ensuring that every village has access to proper
sports facilities. Emphasising that local grounds in villages serve as
community spaces, especially for children, he said, “So we are mapping all this.
We hope that we will be able to bring coordination and facilitate development
in these areas.”
Referring to the recent visit of Union Minister of State for
Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, he mentioned her appreciation
of the floral arrangements and noted that such simple activities make Nagaland
stand apart. Citing the success of a choral group from Nagaland that won the
World Choral Championship, he stated that simple activities in schools could
enable students to excel globally.
Regardless of the facilities and infrastructure available,
he urged students to appreciate what they have and begin their journey.
Dr. Yhome reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to
developing sports infrastructure, stating that efforts are underway to secure
additional indoor and outdoor facilities through the Union Ministry.
Furthermore, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr.
Neiphiu Rio, who also serves as the President of the Nagaland Olympic
Association, the government would be identifying promising student-athletes and
placing them in specialised training centres and academies to help them reach
their full potential.
He encouraged young athletes to approach their dreams with
confidence and professionalism, stressing that body language and attitude play
a key role in achieving excellence. He also acknowledged the contributions of
student mentors, teachers, and officials, asserting that professionalism should
be the guiding principle.
Meanwhile, the tournament officially commenced with
Competition Director, Neilazetuo Khezhie, administering the oath of
sportsmanship to the participants. The event began with an invocation prayer by
Lhounyü Dolie, Youth Director, BC’A’MT, followed by a special song by GHSS
Medziphema.
Chairperson Vitsolie Keyho, Physical Education Officer,
acknowledged the hard work of District Education Officers and tournament
in-charges, commending their efforts in successfully conducting the
district-level competitions leading up to the main event.
Keyho underscored the importance of physical education,
stating that physically fit students perform better academically and that
sports play a crucial role in shaping a well-rounded individual.
The tournament will witness competition across 14 events,
including Volleyball (Boys), Self-defense (Girls), Sepaktakraw (Boys &
Girls), 100m and 200m races (Boys & Girls), 800m race (Girls), 1500m race
(Boys), Long Jump (Boys & Girls), and Javelin & Discus Throw (Boys
& Girls).
