Inter-High School and Higher Secondary School Annual Basketball Tournament aims to revive sport in Mokokchung

MOKOKCHUNG — The first Inter-High School and Higher Secondary School Annual Basketball Tournament, organised by the Basketball Association Mokokchung District (BAMD) under the Nagaland Basketball Association (NBA), got underway at the BAMD Basketball Court, Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on Thursday.

The tournament will run through July 12 on the theme “Forging future”. It brings together 13 teams—nine boys’ and four girls’—from eight schools across the district.

Sentinenla, District Education Officer (DEO), Mokokchung, attended the opening ceremony as the special guest and recalled the “Catch Them Young Tournament”, where schools competed fiercely, producing notable players and coaches.

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She noted that basketball was once widespread, but its prominence faded over decades, and lauded BAMD for reigniting the sport through this inaugural event. Sentinenla also expressed gratitude for the participation of schools from both urban and rural areas, including Changki, Mopungchuket, and Impur.

She stressed the importance of holistic education, stating that while academic achievements are vital, physical fitness and sports build discipline, perseverance, and teamwork, teaching students to handle victory and defeat gracefully.

She affirmed that the Education Department remains committed to supporting such events to nurture well-rounded students. Encouraging the players, Sentinenla urged them to play with heart, honour, and humility, emphasising that every match is a chance to learn, improve, and grow.

BAMD president Temsutoshi Longkumer echoed the need to revive Mokokchung’s basketball culture, which he said had “almost died” over the past decade. He stated that as one of the youngest district associations, BAMD is focused on grassroots development, and this tournament marks a new beginning.

The competing schools are Queen Mary Higher Secondary School, Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School, Eden Academy, Christian Residential Higher Secondary School, Straightway Higher Secondary School, Town Higher Secondary School, Clark Memorial Higher Secondary School, Yajen Aier Government High School, and Changki Government High School, the BAMD president stated.

Tutu Jamir, tournament convener, outlined the event’s objectives as forging student connections, scouting talent for further coaching, and promoting basketball in the district.

She said that the aim is to make this an annual tournament, expressing optimism about discovering players who can represent Mokokchung at higher levels.

On the opening day, Eden Academy dominated Government High School Changki 38–12 in the boys’ category, while Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School outplayed Eden Academy 16–2 in the girls’ division.