Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 3 (EMN): Niesal Theyo on Tuesday won the 8th Nagaland Open Pcheda Championship and 2nd Torü Ke-rha Championship, organised by Tragopan Club, Viswema, at Watch Tower, R Khel, Viswema in Kohima district.
Theyo received cash prize of INR 20,000. Vivohoto Sothu who secured second position received INR 15,000, Zayieho Kin who came third won INR 10,000 and fourth placed winner Medokevi Kin was awarded INR 5000.
The consolation prize winners - Metol Neikha, Puzoto Kin, Viyieto Koso, Rukuhokho Kennao and Keneizoto Neikha – received INR 1000 each.
Meanwhile, in the Torü Ke-rha team championship, Rachu Khel (Team B) won the first position and received INR 10,000. Lomu Kitawhemi Zheri Khel emerged in second position and bagged INR 7000.
Consolation prize winners - Taho Group, Pavoma Khel, Puno Kita Whemi and Zheri Khel - received INR 1000 each.
Lolenu Koso of Lomu group was adjudged as the best player and awarded INR 1000.
Tepunol Yore, district project officer, department of Land Resources, Chümoukedima, the special guest of the event, in his speech stressed on the need for the promotion of indigenous games besides Pcheda and Toru Ke-rha.
The speaker expressed optimism that promotion of traditional games has the potential to attract tourists, to explore and experience Naga culture. Yore also lauded Tragopan Club for organising the Pcheda and Toru Ke-rha, thereby helping to preserve and promote the traditional games.
He maintained that sports are meant to keep people healthy and fit, regardless of age, and he exhorted the players to be conscious about food and diet habits.
The programme was chaired by Meyoho Sothu, vice president of Tragopan Club, Vichosel Rhutso delivered the welcome address and games introduction were presented by Kropo Neikha, field marshal of Pcheda and Zholesano Pusa, chief coordinator of Toru Ke-rha.
A total of 95 participants took part in Pcheda and 80 participants in Toru Ke-rha competitions.