The Khezhakeno Kikruma Badminton Association hosts its fourth open tournament at NLA hall in Kohima.
KOHIMA — The fourth Open Badminton Tournament of the Khezhakeno Kikruma Badminton Association (K2BA) was held at the NLA Multipurpose Hall in Kohima on Saturday, with Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), Indian Reserve (IR) South, Lakha Koza, attending as the guest speaker.
In the Amateur category, Mutsivo and Mechietsho Koza emerged as the winners, while Viephitsolo Koza and Chikrokhoyo Kezo finished as runners-up. In the Advanced category, Vekhrolo Koza and Nühütso Vero secured the title, with Ado Kezo and Medovelo Sono finishing as runners-up.
In the Mixed doubles category, Sekhotolü Puro and Mutsitso Kezo took first place, while Senülü Puro and Vekhrolo Koza finished as runners-up. Special awards were presented to Viephitsolo Koza (15 years) as the youngest player and Mutsitso Kezo (66 years) as the oldest player.
Addressing the gathering, Koza commended the initiative, stating that such sporting events provide an opportunity for people from Khezhakeno and Kikruma villages to strengthen their bond while promoting physical fitness.
He described badminton as a sport that, despite being relatively expensive, offers significant health benefits. He noted that regular participation in sports helps maintain physical fitness and improves alertness, coordination, and overall well-being.
Reflecting on the relationship between the two villages, Koza said the bond between Khezhakeno, a Khezha-speaking village, and Kikruma, a Chokri-speaking village, despite not being immediate geographical neighbours, could be viewed as a divine plan to foster brotherhood.
He highlighted Kikruma's contributions to sports, public service, and leadership, citing the village's achievements, including having produced its first IPS officer, Besesayo Kezo, and IAS officer Vevotolu Kezo, the first among the Chakhesangs to clear the examination directly. He also referred to the village's contributions to politics and leadership in sports and civil society.
Koza called for the brotherhood between the two villages to be strengthened and encouraged both communities to support and learn from each other with a sense of oneness for the present generation and posterity.
He also stressed the importance of learning each other's languages, saying this could help foster a greater sense of belonging and bring other social benefits.
Khupo Kezo, an elder who offered a prayer, highlighted in his address the need to maintain mutual understanding between the two villages. He said the cordial relationship maintained by the communities over the years should be sustained and further strengthened.