Mhathung Yanthan, Vineet Kumar and others during the
inaugural programme of the 29th edition of the Winter Cricket Challenge at the
local ground on Thursday. (EM IMAGE)
- WOKHA — The 29th
edition of the Winter Cricket Challenge (WCC), organised by the Senior Noble
Klan (SNK), kicked off on Thursday at the local ground in Wokha, with Mhathung
Yanthan, Advisor for Agriculture, as the special guest at the inaugural
programme.
- In his address, Yanthan congratulated the organisers for
hosting one of the oldest locally organised cricket tournaments in Nagaland and
noted that the tournament has awakened many people in Wokha town and grown into
a beacon of unity, talent, and a shared love of cricket over the years.
- He lauded the organisers for connecting sports with
environmental awareness through the tournament's theme, "Green cover
drive”. He emphasised that initiatives like this demonstrate that cricket is
more than just a game; it is a platform to influence positive change in
society.
- Congratulating the organisers for linking cricket with the
pressing need to protect the environment, Yanthan encouraged the players to
participate with passion and sportsmanship, urging them to give their best for
their teams and use the tournament as an opportunity to showcase their talents
and inspire others.
- Special invitee Vineet Kumar, Deputy Commissioner and
chairman of the District Sports Council, Wokha, highlighted the potential for
career development in cricket and the extensive opportunities that sports offer
in India.
- He expressed gratitude to SNK for providing a platform for
young players and proposed enhancements to the quality of infrastructure. He
also advocated for the inclusion of women in cricket tournaments, recognising
the enthusiasm of many young female cricketers in Nagaland.
- Lansothung Shitiri, RFO of Doyang Beat/Doyang Afforestation
Range Wokha, spoke on the theme. He stressed the importance of preserving
natural resources, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting sustainable
living.
- He appealed to the players to be agents of change and drive
a "green cover drive" that inspires others, reminding them that every
action on the field contributes to a sustainable future.
