King David, Lorna’s Schools clinch titles at Under-14 State Sepaktakraw Tournament

KOHIMA — King David Higher Secondary School, Chümoukedima, and Lorna’s Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, emerged champions in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively at the State-Level Catch Them Young Under-14 Sepaktakraw Tournament held on Wednesday at Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS), Kohima.

In the boys’ category, Eastern School, Mon, secured the second position, while St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, finished third.

In the girls’ category, Green Valley, Mon, claimed the second position, and Mungleu Valley School, Saijang, Peren, came third.

The closing ceremony was attended by Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor for School Education and SCERT, as the special guest. In his address, he emphasised the importance of personal discipline and highlighted the alignment of the tournament with the Nagaland School Sports Policy, noting that it aims to identify talented young sportspersons.

Also read: State-level Under-14 Sepaktakraw tournament begins in Kohima

Yhome observed that Sepaktakraw has made significant progress in Nagaland, with the state representing India at various levels. Referring to the recently concluded World Games in India, he said that all members of the Indian team except one player from Manipur were from Nagaland, and they won a silver medal in the quadrennial event.

He expressed hope that some participants in the Under-14 tournament will go on to represent Nagaland nationally and internationally, advising students that they need to be winners. Yhome also pointed out that Sepaktakraw requires minimal investment and can be played on village grounds, making it suitable for the state.

Highlighting the potential of the wellness and sports sector, he said it is a major contributor to health and confidence in the 21st century. He further informed that the state government will finalise a framework for conducting sporting activities across schools in Nagaland, which will help identify and nurture talent.

Bithungo Kikon, Member of the ANPSA Sepaktakraw Committee and Ex-officio Advisor of ANPSA Central, delivered a speech recognising the tournament as a testament to collaboration between public and private institutions. Personal Secretary to the Advisor of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) also addressed the players.

Anthony Ngullie, Commissioner and Secretary of Youth Resources and Sports, delivered the welcome address. The programme was led by Kethosituo Sekhose, Director of YRS, who informed that the tournament will be held again next year.

The tournament saw participation from 15 boys’ teams and 13 girls’ teams representing 11 districts of Nagaland.