Kohima Town Club lifts Xavier Rutsa Memorial Running Trophy

Dimapur, June 23 (EMN): The Kohima Town Club and Kohima Press Club played the 2nd Xavier Rutsa Memorial Running Trophy as a tribute to the two clubs’ colleague late Xavier Rutsa, on Sunday, June 23 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima.

Rutsa, a senior journalist for the Times of India passed away at the age of 42 last June while serving as the president of Kohima Press Club and the media officer of Kohima Town Club. He was a founding member of both the clubs.

Kohima Town Club retained the trophy after defeating Kohima Press Club 7-3 via tie-breaker after the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Earlier before the match, a brief solemn tribute programme was held with Medo Yhokha, PRO to the Speaker, Nagaland as the special guest.

Yhokha appreciated the clubs for celebrating the good deeds done by late Xavier Rutsa to the society through the football exhibition match and keeping alive his memories.

Lauding the KTC for organising the Kohima Football League for the third year, Yhokha said their efforts must continue, sustain and also expand beyond Kohima district. Stating that there are plenty of skills, talents and scope among the youths, he said the KFL is a good platform for sports lovers to exhibit their talents and polish their skills at the same time.

To the journalists, Yhokha while appreciating the media persons in promptly responding to the call of societal calls has encouraged them to continue to create positive thinking minds among the people by reflecting on the positivity of the society through their reporting.

The journalists, he said must reframe and influence the minds of the society and take the lead role in changing the society for our generation.

Paying tribute to late Xavier Rutsa, Kohima Press Club, president, Alice Yhoshü in her solidarity message said, Rutsa had widely contributed to the growth of both journalism and sports in the state, and considering the keen interest he had towards football, it is befitting that he is remembered and honoured through this beautiful game she added.

Recalling the strong values and principles that Rutsa possessed and how he impacted the lives of those who knew him, she said Rutsa had always advocated the essence of working together as a team, tolerance, generosity, acceptance of one another weaknesses, and the zeal to help, protect and guide others. Yhoshü added that in his demise, the clubs have lost a mentor, a friend and a great human being.

Rutsa’s family members attended the event as special guests, wherein his elder brother handed over the trophy to the winning club.