The fourth Open Badminton Tournament of the Khezhakeno Kikruma Badminton Association (K2BA) brought together players and members of the two villages at the NLA Multipurpose Hall in Kohima on Saturday, with the event highlighting the longstanding bond between Khezhakeno and Kikruma.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), Indian Reserve (IR) South, Lakha Koza, IPS, who attended the event as guest speaker, said sporting activities could serve as an avenue for strengthening relationships between the two communities while encouraging people to remain physically active.
He noted that regular participation in sports contributes not only to physical fitness but also to alertness, coordination and overall well-being. Referring to badminton, he observed that while the sport could be relatively expensive, it offered considerable health benefits.
Speaking about the relationship between Khezhakeno, a Khezha-speaking village, and Kikruma, a Chokri-speaking village, Koza said their bond, despite the villages not being immediate geographical neighbours, could be viewed as a divine plan for fostering brotherhood.
He highlighted Kikruma’s contributions to sports, public service and leadership, including its distinction of producing the first IPS and IAS officers among the Chakhesangs. He also acknowledged the village’s contributions to politics, sports and civil society.
Koza called on members of both communities to continue strengthening their relationship and to support and learn from one another. He also encouraged people to learn each other’s languages, saying that greater familiarity with the languages could foster a stronger sense of belonging and bring wider social benefits.
K2BA secretary Zhalie Puro, who chaired the programme, said badminton had helped create a sense of belonging among people from the two villages and urged the community to preserve that spirit. While, Khupo Kezo, offered the invocation prayer and also exhorted the players and the gathering.
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The tournament was held under the presidentship of Joshua Koza. Vekhrolo Koza, adviser of K2BA, led the prize distribution ceremony, while Bizo Puro offered the benediction.
A total of 60 players competed in three categories: Amateur, Advanced and Mixed Doubles.
Mutsivo and Mechietsho Koza won the Amateur category, with Viephitsolo Koza and Chikrokhoyo Kezo finishing runners-up. In the Advanced category, Vekhrolo Koza and Nühütso Vero emerged winners, while Ado Kezo and Medovelo Sono were runners-up.
Sekhotolü Puro and Mutsitso Kezo won the Mixed Doubles category, with Senülü Puro and Vekhrolo Koza finishing runners-up.
Viephitsolo Koza, aged 15, was recognised as the youngest player, while Mutsitso Kezo, aged 66, was the oldest.
Meanwhile, the association expressed appreciation to shuttle sponsors Zhalie Puro and Putsütso Thira, as well as the participants, dignitaries, well-wishers, spectators and volunteers who supported the tournament.
