The Kohima Village Sports Association Meet 2026 begins in Kohima with Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome urging athletes to uphold tradition.
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KOHIMA — The 67th Kohima Village Sports Association (KVSA) Meet began with an opening ceremony held at Khouchiezhie, Kohima Local Ground, on Saturday.
Themed “Kevimerü” with the Great Indian Barbet as the mascot, the sports meet will culminate on January 16. The meet is being hosted by the Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO).
The chief host of the event, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, advisor for School Education and SCERT, in his address appreciated the KVYO for organising the event, which he said encourages sportspersons to work hard.
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Dr. Yhome stated that sports, besides being competitive, have become essential for daily life to keep a person healthy. He said sports are turning into one of the biggest industries and asserted the need to take them seriously.
The advisor also stressed the need to pursue sports with confidence so as to earn a name for oneself and also bring pride to parents, the village, the state, and the nation.
He warned sportspersons against pride and advised them to inspire others. Furthermore, he implored that sports events should imbibe greater understanding and cooperation and foster oneness among the people.
Helievio Solo, chairman of the Kohima Village Council (KVC), in his speech said that over the course of history, sports have not only united people but have also been festivals that connected communities and fostered understanding.
He said the KVSA Meet is important for the people of Kohima village, as it was observed with reverence in the past, and called for efforts to uphold age-old values.
He exhorted the players to exhibit their best talents and skills while invoking God’s blessings upon them.
The presidential address was delivered by Medozhazo Rutsa, while Medo-o Keretsü, head gaon Bura (Hd. GB) of Kohima Village, pronounced the traditional blessings. Oath-taking was administered by Viliebeizo Liezietsu, games and sports secretary, KVYO.
Prior to the opening ceremony, the ceremonial torch lighting was held at Thevokemouzie, Lhise Khel, where the first KVSA was held in 1944. Thereafter, prominent players traversed various places of the village and culminated at Khouchiezhie, where the torch was transferred to the cauldron at the main venue.
The week-long sports event will feature athletics, volleyball, basketball, football, cricket, badminton, table tennis, shooting, and wrestling.
It may be mentioned here that over 700 athletes, besides management officials, umpires, and others, will be involved in the KVSA Meet 2026.