DIMAPUR — The Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA), in collaboration with the Southern Angami Sepak Takraw Players Association (SASTPA), organised a three-day sepak-takraw training for the 13 Southern Angami villages.
It was conducted in three phases on September 5, 7, and 9, respectively, at the multipurpose hall in Kigwema, according to an update. A total of 65 promising young players from the villages attended the training.
The Kigwema Youth Organisation and the Kidima Youth Organisation hosted the first and second days, while the Youth Organisation of Kezoma, Kezo Basa, Kezo Town, Mitelephe, and Sakhaba jointly hosted the third training day.
The sessions were attended by the SASTPA team led by its president, Vimetsül Tase, a former international sepak-takraw player. It also included a host of international and national players, coaches, and referees such as Viseyie Koso, Viketoho Tsükrü, Puleno Neikha, Kechazeno Kirha, Menenu Tsükrü, Neisato Lcho, Puduto Koso, Kevisaho Neikha, and Shokum Kips.
Tase, speaking on the occasion, encouraged the youngsters to consider sepak-takraw as a career, highlighting its great potential and broad scope for employment in both the state and central sectors. He also assured that the association is always ready to support and assist players whenever needed.
As a token of love and appreciation, Dr. Vimezo Kere, president of SASA, presented citations to the trainers and distributed first aid kits to all the participating villages. He also encouraged the players to take their training seriously and to share their knowledge upon returning to their respective villages.
The training featured a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical application, focussing on foundational skills such as stretching, dribbling, passing, and serving. Participants also competed in friendly matches.