The Tsiepfütsiepfhe Youth Organisation (TTYO) Biennial Sports Meet 2026 commenced on October 19 at the Kohima Science College Ground, Jotsoma, with Medoviu Martin Suohu, Councillor, Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), Ward-19, as the chief guest.
The two-day sports meet, scheduled for October 19 and 20, aims to bring together the community through sports while providing a platform for participants to showcase their talents and promote unity, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Addressing the gathering, Suohu described sports meets as a valuable initiative that brings people together and provides opportunities for young people to demonstrate their abilities. He noted that sports activities are widely organised across villages, areas and ranges in Nagaland, including within the Angami community.
Sharing his vision for sports development in Kohima, Suohu said one of his goals was to organise an inter-ward sports meet involving 9 Kohima Town Assembly Constituency (AC). He encouraged the TTYO executives and the community to support the initiative, stating that he had been advocating for such an event during his visits to various colony sports meets.
He expressed hope that the proposed 9 Kohima Town Inter-Ward Sports Meet could be organised by next year or after 2028, with collaboration from the Department of Youth Resources and Sports and the Nagaland Olympic Association.
Emphasising the importance of recognising sporting achievements, Suohu said sports should not be limited to games alone but should also include athletics and other disciplines. He highlighted that certificates awarded to participants could prove valuable in the future, particularly if recognised by relevant departments and organisations.
He observed that opportunities in government employment were limited and stressed the need for young people to explore alternative avenues, including sports and skill development. Referring to efforts at the national level to provide certification and recognition for sportspersons, he expressed hope that such initiatives would create greater opportunities for athletes across disciplines, including football and cricket.
Suohu also informed the gathering about an upcoming five-day vocational training programme to be organised in collaboration with the Department of Skills and Employment for 70 participants. The training will focus on electrical work and carpentry, with refreshments to be provided free of cost. Participants will also have the opportunity to avail themselves of equipment related to the respective trades after the training.
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He invited interested members of the community to take advantage of the programme, underscoring the importance of skill development and self-reliance alongside participation in sports.
Ketousie Khamo, Councillor, KMC Ward-15, attended the programme as the guest of honour, while Khrure Hibo, president of TTYO, delivered the welcome address.
The sports meet features four teams representing different localities and groups: Taxi Union Tsiepfütsiepfhe, Upper Tsiepfütsiepfhe, Middle East Tsiepfütsiepfhe, Middle West Tsiepfütsiepfhe and Lower Tsiepfütsiepfhe.
Competitions are being held in men’s football, men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s tug of war, and men’s cricket.
The organisers have announced cash prizes along with certificates for the participating teams. The football champions will receive Rs. 10,000, while the cricket Super Six winners will receive Rs. 7,000. The basketball, volleyball and tug-of-war events carry prize money of Rs. 5,000 each.
The biennial sports meet seeks to encourage active participation in sports, strengthen community bonds and inspire young people to pursue their sporting interests while recognising the wider opportunities that sports and vocational skills can offer.
