The 4th Patkai Trophy 2026 Inter-Institutional Championship was inaugurated at Patkai Christian College (Autonomous), Chümoukedima-Seithekema, on Friday, bringing together students from different institutions including Assam and Nagaland for three days of sporting competition.
Addressing the inaugural programme, MLA and Advisor for Civil Administration Works Division (CAWD), Kudecho Khamo, said sporting events provide young people an opportunity to discover their abilities, develop discipline and build meaningful relationships.
Khamo, who is also an alumnus of Patkai Christian College, recalled his years as a student and said the institution had played an important role in shaping him academically, spiritually and as a leader.
Sharing his experience with the students, he urged them to take their studies, social involvement, spiritual life, sports and other activities seriously. He said young people should identify the areas in which they are gifted and work towards developing those abilities.
“Having a talent alone is not enough, you have to capitalise on it” he said, adding that talent becomes meaningful when it is developed, disciplined and put to good use.
Khamo noted that individuals possess different strengths, with some excelling in academics, sports, music, leadership, creativity, technology or entrepreneurship. He urged students not to compare themselves with others but to work towards becoming the best version of themselves.
He also drew parallels between sports and life, saying success in athletics requires practice, patience, discipline, sacrifice and perseverance. Setbacks, he said, should be treated as opportunities to learn and prepare for the next challenge.
Emphasising the importance of qualities beyond academic qualifications, Khamo urged students to develop communication and leadership skills, creativity, problem-solving abilities and adaptability to new technologies and ideas.
He also called for responsible participation in competition, encouraging students to learn to win with humility and lose with dignity.
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“Let competition bring out the best in you, but never allow competition to destroy your friendship, your integrity, or your sportsmanship,” he said.
Khamo further encouraged the students to dream big, pray and work towards their aspirations, saying that dreams require both faith and effort to become reality.
Earlier, Principal of Patkai Christian College, Dr Thepfuvilie Pieru, said the championship was intended to provide a platform for students from different institutions to showcase their talents and potential in games and sports.
He said sporting activities could serve as a much-needed break from academic workloads while healthy competition could foster better understanding among students and contribute to a peaceful and productive society.
“Sports is far more than just physical exercise. It is a masterclass in life,” Pieru said, highlighting resilience, humility and teamwork as some of the values learnt through sports.
He urged participants to value the effort that had brought them to the competition, respect their opponents and give their best, saying the championship was not only about winning medals or breaking records.
Pieru also welcomed Khamo back to his alma mater, noting that the MLA and Advisor had returned to the institution after three decades. He expressed hope that his presence would inspire the participating students to aim higher and dream bigger.
Sentijungla M., B.A. 3rd Semester Chaired the event with Opening Prayer offered by Rev. Dr. Vichukho Ngukha, Chaplain, a Special Number was presented by Lungbaanlu Khumba, B.A. 3rd Semester, closing Prayer was offered by Yoto Chotso, President, EU.
The oath Taking was administered Ronathung Odyuo, Games & Sports Secretary.
