The 31st edition of the Old Jalukie Village Shifting Day Memorial Volleyball Tournament 2023 kickstarted today at Old Jalukie village sector.
Masangum Hiekha, PA to former chief minister T R Zeliang and UDA chairman, was the special guest of the inaugural programme.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Hiekha opined that while volleyball is a game to be played indoors, most volleyball tournaments in Nagaland are played outdoors due to the absence of infrastructure and facilities. He informed that in Nagaland, there is only one indoor volleyball stadium which is in Mokokchung. In this regard, Heikha gave assurances of pursuing the construction of an indoor volleyball stadium in collaboration with the Peren District Volleyball Association (PDVA) through available schemes and projects.
The special guest also reminded that there are many facilities and projects in store for young youths and cited the ongoing construction of the standard size Astro turf football field in Jalukie town which is on the verge of completion through the initiative of Jalukie Valley Youth Organisation (JVYO). He asserted that those are blessings for the whole community of the district and urged the gathering to support the initiative for the accomplishment of the project and other developments.
Masangum Hiekha speaking at the inaugural programme.
While calling for unity among various sectors of Old Jalukie, Hiekha reminded that Jalukie has a lot of potential with it being perfectly located at a tri-junction connecting Manipur, Assam and Nagaland and with the ongoing construction of roads. He stated many commercial activities would take place in a few years as Jalukie will be the centre point for the three Northeastern states. Heikha urged the people to take cognizance of the value of land and advised them to abstain from random selling of lands.
The special guest also opined that Jalukie town is considered to be the second Guwahati, which was well planned for township with potential lands and space for developmental activities. He observed that Jalukie has the potential for setting up an international airport.
Hiekha further urged the sportspersons to be disciplined and consistent and advised them against indulging in substance abuse which, he said, would spoil their career like the flowers fading away in a few days’ time.
He also lauded the organising committee for taking the event to the district level, adding that the event, as it keeps going, must become bigger and greater.
The programme was compered by Paubamleube and Suiyingaule. The invocation was offered by Zieroying Hiekha, pastor of Old Jalukie Baptist Church and the welcome address delivered by Akobe Kenn, treasurer of the tournament board.
A short speech was given by Inrangruing, GB of Old Jalukie village council. Special numbers were presented by Keputcui maa and the youth department while the oath was administered by Adaube Mpom, games & sports secretary, Old Jalukie Village Youth Organisation.
The tournament flag was unfurled by the special guest who also declared the tournament open.
The opening match was played between defending champions Azailong and runners-up and host village Old Jalukie A. Azailong defeated the host team Old Jalukie in two straight sets 25-21, 27-25.
The tournament is an open event under Peren district which is being played on league (best of three) and inter-village/town basis.
Altogether, 13 teams are competing for the coveted title in the four-day long event.
Old Jalukie Sector C was shifted from Old Jalukie Sector A as extension on 10 January 1984 with collective decision. It is 39 years old now. The volleyball tournament organised is at its 31st edition.
