The 1st Inter-School Volleyball Tournament 2025 got underway on Saturday at the DBHSS Playground, Wokha. The tournament is a collaborative initiative between the department of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) and the Wokha District Volleyball Association (WDVA), being held under the theme “Serve to Win, Play to Inspire.”
The opening ceremony was graced byYRS director Kethosituo Sekhose as the special guest. Also present were dignitaries from the education and sports sectors, school representatives, students, and spectators.
In his address, Sekhose highlighted the importance of sports in holistic education. He emphasised that sports are essential not only for physical development but also for character-building and discipline among the youth.
“Sports is something very, very important. Whether it’s you, me, or persons with special needs — everyone deserves a platform to showcase their talent,” he said.
Describing the tournament as a pilot project, he noted that this initiative is part of the department’s broader strategy to inculcate professionalism, healthy competition, and long-term engagement in sports. The decision to begin with boys’ teams from ten schools was based on the aim of minimal cost and maximum participation.
“If this model proves successful, we hope to replicate it across other districts,” he added.
Sekhose also made a strong case for volleyball as a sport well-suited to Nagaland’s youth, stating, “Despite our physical limitations, our mental agility and quickness give us a strong advantage. Volleyball is a game that is widely enjoyed and easy to follow, making it ideal for community engagement.”
Referring to recent success stories such as the Nagaland Super League, he urged schools and parents to see sports as more than just extracurricular activity. “Organising just one tournament can create employment for hundreds. Sports is a growing industry — from coaching and officiating to event management and media coverage,” he stated.
10 schools are participating with 120 players competing, including Isaiah Ability School, Santsuo School, Springdale School, Little Angel School, Libemo Memorial School, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Bethsaida School, Regimental School, Gilgal School and St. Peter School, Longsa.
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In his greetings, Edward Ngullie, president All Nagaland Private Schools’ Association (ANPSA) Wokha unit lauded the WDVA’s efforts in bringing together schools across the district.
“This initiative is the result of months of dedicated groundwork by the association,” he said, while also commending the YRS director’s proactive approach towards grassroots-level sports development.
He also made a humble request on behalf of the district for departmental coaches to visit and conduct training for local teachers, thereby empowering schools to nurture future athletes more effectively.
Earlier in the programme, Libemo Jami, Youth Resources Officer (YRO) Wokha, welcomed the gathering with an introductory address that acknowledged the rapid progress of WDVA since its inception. He also highlighted the emergence of national-level players from the district, attributing it to the focused efforts of local associations and the support of the community.
The Oath-taking was led by Mhonyamo (Finance Secretary, WDVA).
