The 67th Kohima Village Sports Association (KVSA) Meet 2026 concluded on Friday after six days of competition, recording 31 new meet records and marking one of the most successful editions in recent years. Tsütuonuomia Thinuo emerged as the overall champion in this year’s meet.
Guest of honour Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso MLA highlighted that wrestling is a very interesting sport, especially for Kohima Village, as it serves as the largest village sports event. He said it is a time for families, friends, and neighbours to come together to share warm home cooked food and also a time to promote unity, harmony, and build new relationships.
He further stated that among all sports, belt wrestling has opened doors to a wider platform, as it is set to be introduced in the Olympics, enabling local players to participate at the national level as well. He also highlighted that there are many talented sportspersons and that doors are opening for them to earn their livelihood.
Referring to statistics, he mentioned that there are many educated and learned unemployed youths among the Nagas, and that through sporting talents, they can find opportunities to earn their livelihood.
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Expressing concern over the issue of illegal immigrants, Rhutso stated that Kohima Village should set an example for others by being tactical and refusing opportunities to illegal immigrants. He said this would affect the future of Naga youth as a whole, even if only a few individuals benefit. He cited examples such as leasing and renting out properties, obtaining taxi and two-wheeler permits to illegal immigrants which hampers local opportunities and employment. As the capital of the state, he stressed that Kohima should lead by example. He encouraged the people to live in harmony and set a positive example for those around them.
Tsütuonuomia Thinuo emerged as the overall champion with 50 medals, while Pfuchatsumia Thinuo finished second with 30 medals, followed by D Khel in third with 25 medals and L Khel placed fourth with 29 medals. A total of 134 medals-53 gold, 54 silver and 27 bronze-were contested.
Lhisemia Thinuo topped the Games category, Tsütuonuomia Thinuo won athletics, and Dapfhütsumia Thinuo emerged as champions in wrestling. Neiketoulie Belho and Rüduolhounuo Belho were named Best Athletes in the men’s and women’s categories respectively. Kezhaseluo Pienyü won the wrestling meet while Kevise Belho won the men’s individual cross country race. Lhouvivonuo Keyho and Neikesonuo Belho set new meet records in the women’s event.
