The Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS), Nagaland, in collaboration with the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) will be organizing the 68th National School Games U-19 Girls’ Sepak Takraw from 25th to 28th November 2024 at Hall B, IG Stadium in Kohima, Nagaland
This was announced by Anthony Ngullie, Secretary, DYRS, Nagaland, during a press conference held at IG Stadium on 23rd November 2024. Ngullie also informed that around 17 teams will be participating in the national event.
Further, for the first time, participants from key states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Vidhya Bharati, Manipur, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Kerala, Delhi, Bihar, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh will compete in the event along with Nagaland.
It was further informed that Abu Metha, Adviser to the Chief Minister, Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India, and General Secretary of the Nagaland Olympic Association, will grace the inaugural ceremony on 25th November as the Special Guest while Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor of School Education, will be the Special Guest for the closing ceremony on 28th November 2024.
Kethosituo Sekhose, Director, DYRS, said that Nagaland is partnering with the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) to host this tournament for the first time and also announced that officials from various states, including those from Nagaland, will be present at the event.
Additionally, it was informed that there will be two distinct competitions: the Regu and Doubles events, with prizes awarded in three categories—gold, silver, and bronze.
Sekhose mentioned that Sepak Takraw players have a valuable opportunity in the coming years to compete at national and international levels, especially if the sport is introduced in the World Games.
Sekhose said that since Sepak Takraw is still a relatively new sport in India and not widely spread, only 17 teams will participate in this year’s event. He emphasized that the tournament is for Under-19 players, as this is an important time for those trained to compete in the upcoming Asian Games.
The Director also confirmed that four girls and one boy from Nagaland are part of the national team and expressed gratitude for the positive support at the national level, which reflects the passion of the Nagaland team. He noted that Nagaland is likely to host future international Sepak Takraw games.
