The 3-day 5th edition of the Bishop Abraham Memorial Tournament, organised by the Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) and hosted by the Southern Angami Catholic Union (SACU), concluded on Thursday at St Joseph’s (Autonomous) College, Jakhama, bringing together Catholic youth from across the state for a celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit.
The tournament featured volleyball and tug-of-war competitions for both men and women.
Addressing the gathering as Guest of Honour, Col Satya Narain of the 44 Mountain Brigade in Zakhama highlighted the importance of participation over winning. He said that sports should be embraced as a platform to learn, grow and enjoy, not merely as a race for titles.
Sharing his personal love for volleyball, he recalled his younger days as a player before a finger injury halted his playing career, remarking that passion and the lessons from sport endure beyond trophies.
Special Guest Dr. John Seyiekhrietuo, State Nodal Officer of AYUSH and President of the Angami Catholic Union (ACU), spoke on broader social concerns. He pointed to rising unemployment in Nagaland and urged the youth to pursue entrepreneurship instead of waiting for government jobs.
Dr. Seyiekhrietuo also stressed the value of sportsmanship, teamwork and resilience.
Auxiliary Bishop Jose Puthenveetil of Faridabad, also shared his delight in witnessing Catholic youth from “every nook and corner” come together for the tournament.
In the men’s volleyball category, St John Evangelist Church, Khonoma emerged as champions, with St Paul Church, Phesama finishing runners-up. In the women’s division, St Francis of Assisi Parish, Lazami clinched the title, defeating St Francis de Sales, Tening.
The tug-of-war competition saw St Xavier Parish, Kidima, take first place, followed by St John the Evangelist Parish, Khonoma and St Joseph’s Parish, Tseminyu in second and third place respectively.
Women’s awards:
- Best Discipline: St Joseph’s Centre, Songlhuh
- Best Player: Mhiesimenuo Margaret (St John the Evangelist, Khonoma)
- Best Spiker: Niuli Helena (St Francis of Assisi, Lazami)
- Best Setter: Livitoli Agnes (St Francis of Assisi, Lazami)
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Men’s awards:
- Best Discipline: Christ the King Centre, Phuvkiu
- Best Player: Mhiesilieto Edmund (St John the Evangelist Parish, Khonoma)
- Best Spiker: Kekhrieselie Kevin (St Paul Parish, Phesama)
- Best Setter: Mezhüse Martin (St John the Evangelist, Khonoma)
The programme began with a prayer song led by the NCYM executives, followed by a warm welcome note from Rev. Sr. Mariyam Chothe, Lady Animator of NCYM. A special number was then presented by Helena Swu, adding a graceful touch to the event.
The closing ceremony featured lowering of the NCYM flag before the vote of thanks delivered by NCYM General Secretary, Veronica Nriame. Rev. Fr. Peter Solo, Dean of Science at SJC (A), led the closing prayer and blessing. The closing ceremony was moderated by Paul Magh and Neikheno Irine.
