In a move to popularise traditional games in a fast-changing generation, the Tragopan Club Viswema organised the 8th Nagaland Open Pcheda Championship and 2nd Torü Ke-Rha Championship today at Watch Tower, R Khel, Viswema village.
Tepunol Yore, the district project officer of the Department of Land Resources, Chümoukedima, graced the competition as the chief guest.
Yore shared that both Pcheda and Torü Ke-Rha, commonly known as indigenous games, had the potential for gaining recognition in the national as well as the international arena. He urged upon the organisers and people to put effort to take up these indigenous games forward and challenged the people to strive to bring this indigenous game to a greater limelight. He also mentioned the traditional games like traditional shotput that used to be played at Kisama Naga Heritage during the Hornbill festival.
Reminding the gathering that the Nagas had a unique history including traditional games, songs and rich cultures which, he said, were our identity known all over the world, Yore stressed the need to popularise and preserve the indigenous games which were passed on from the forefathers to the present fast-changing generation. He was optimistic that the promotion of traditional games has the potential to attract tourists to explore the Naga culture and experience.
The special guest also opined that sports are meant to keep people healthy and fit regardless of age and he exhorted the players to be conscious about food and diet. He also highlighted the initiatives taken by the state government for infrastructural development, be it indoor and outdoor stadiums, with utmost priority for the promotion of sports.
The speaker also exhorted the gathering to meaningfully live their lives that would be welfare centric for the community to progress and in this regard, Yore also lauded the organizers for initiating such competitions and further reminded everyone that the game should not end with the competition but be popularised further. He also urged the Viswema citizens to take the lead and be role models while maintaining oneness and unity.
The competition witnessed a good response with around 95 Pcheda men and 80 women participants from neighbouring villages vying for the prizes.
Neisal Theyo walked home richer with Rs 20,000 by emerging as the winner of the competition while second place was secured by Vivohoto Sothu who received Rs 15,000.
The third place was clenched by Zayieho Kin who walked home with Rs 10,000. The fourth place with Rs 5,000 as prize money was bagged by Medokevi Kin.
A consolation prize of Rs 1,000 was presented each to Metol Neikha, Puzoto Vitsu, Viyieto Koso, Rukuhokho Kennao and Keneizoto Neikha.
Khosel Rhutso was adjudged the ‘Best Player’ and walked away with Rs 1,000 and citations.
Under Torü Ke-Rha, the first place went to Rachii Khel, Team B who received Rs 10,000. The second place was secured by Lomu Kita whemi Zheri Khel who received Rs 7,000.
The consolation prize of Rs 1,000 each were also presented to Taho group, Pavoma Khel, Puno Kita whemi, Zheri Khel while the ‘Best Player’ award was presented to Lolenu Koso (Lomu Group) with a cash prize of Rs 1,000 and citations.
Pcheda is a traditional game that requires players to throw thin dried bamboo sticks from a set distance on a solid mud platform. The person throwing the stick that land the farthest is declared the winner.
Torü Ke-Rha, which has been played since the olden days, consists of two teams playing against each other, where one player is required to strike the Toru of opponent but has to follow a sequence.
The invocation was pronounced by Vireto Theyo, associate pastor of Viswema Baptist Church. The welcome address was delivered by Vichosel Rhütso, president of Tragopan Club while the games were introduced by Field Marshall, Pcheda – Kropo Neikgha and Chief coordinator, Torü Ke-Rha – Zholesano Pusa.
The prize distribution was headed by assistant games and sports secretary Nosato Theyo and the vote of thanks was pronounced by information and publicity secretary Avitso Lcho.
