Kudecho Khamo urges athletes in Nagaland to pursue sports as a viable career

KOHIMA — Advisor for CAWD and Taxes, and President of the Nagaland Wushu Association (NWA), Kudecho Khamo, has called upon sportspersons in the state to go the extra mile to excel, observing that sports now offer a wide range of opportunities to be pursued as a profession.

He was speaking as the special guest at the prize distribution ceremony of the first state-level sub-junior, junior, and senior Wushu (Sanda) Championship, organised by the NWA in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS). The event was held at the Pele Khezhie Indoor Stadium, Kohima.

Khamo said that while in one’s youthful years one can actively play, after their prime they can continue to build careers in sports-related fields such as coaching, management, and other sports enterprises, which offer “a huge scope for success.”

He acknowledged that Wushu, despite lacking infrastructure in the state, has gained popularity and acceptance among the people. “Players from Nagaland have won medals even in the Northeast Olympic Games,” he said, adding that the NWA remains committed to promoting the sport.

Also read: State-Level Sub-Junior, Junior, and Senior Wushu Championship underway in Kohima

Highlighting the state government’s support under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is also the President of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), Khamo said that various sports infrastructures are coming up across the state and financial assistance is being provided to players.

He commended NWA officials and district associations for their active role in managing the tournament and bringing athletes to compete. He also appreciated parents and guardians for their encouragement, saying their presence at the stadium “is a big inspiration” and that their support “motivates and celebrates the success” of their children.

Khamo further emphasised the need for parents to guide their children’s career paths, noting that grooming and exposure to different professions are essential.

Encouraging Wushu players to be committed and disciplined, he said, “A single punch or kick alone can make one popular globally.” He also extended his appreciation to the DYRS for supporting sportspersons and to Pele Khezhie, President of the Nagaland College Students’ Union (NCSU) and the Nagaland Taekwondo Association, for providing the indoor stadium for the championship.

Assuring continued support to the association, Khamo reiterated that the NWA “is committed to the growth and promotion of Wushu in the state” and urged athletes to take the sport seriously. He also expressed happiness that some educational institutions are introducing sports as a discipline, stressing the need to guide students “in the right path.”

A total of 93 athletes from seven districts participated in the two-day championship held from October 28 to 29. Peren district emerged as the group champion, while Kohima district won the Best Discipline Team award.

The prize distribution ceremony was led by Vekhozo, General Secretary of the NWA.