The 16th State Level Catch Them Young (U-14) Sepaktakraw Tournament 2024 culminated at IG stadium Kohima on May 21.
In the Women’s Category, Dimapur clinched gold while Mon team were the Champions in the men’s category.
Kesonyü Yhome, Principal Secretary to Nagaland Chief Minister, who graced the valedictory ceremony as the Guest of Honour spoke on the importance of pursuing a career in sports wholeheartedly, as the government is now dedicated to supporting young athletes. He commended the DYRS for enhancing sports, specifically in Sepaktakraw, which has brought numerous medals and honor to the state. He mentioned the remarkable achievements in sepaktakraw in recent years, with players excelling at the State, National, and International levels, Yhome expressed pride in their accomplishments and acknowledged the department for their efforts.
Acknowledging the growing number of talented young male and female athletes in Naga society, Yhome said that in sportsmanship, self-discipline is crucial, and ego can be detrimental. He highlighted that discipline extends beyond following game rules which encompasses maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating habits. In today’s generation many athletes struggle due to lifestyle factors, therefore he advised all young athletes to prioritize a healthy and active lifestyle to unleash their athletic potential in the future.
In an interview with Holshe Khrieo, Retd. Sepaktakraw Junior State Coach shared the prospects and state of Sepaktakraw in Nagaland. He mentioned that in the sepaktakraw group there are more than 20 international players who participate in the national, international and Asian games.
The employment opportunities were also highlighted where the retired Coach mentioned that four female athletes has been appointed in SSB and four other athletes were recruited in Nagaland and the DYRS.
Nagaland team has also represented India in the Asian games for four consecutive years that is 2010,2014,2018 and 2022. If we Naga people puts more effort in Sepaktakraw, there is a high chance of venturing into international platforms where we can achieve medals for the country and bring laurels to Nagaland state, expressed the retired Coach.
It has been reported that presently there is Only one septakraw coach in Nagaland.
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Winners in Women’s category :
Gold: Dimapur
Silver : Kohima
Bronze: Wokha
Winners in Men’s category :
Gold: Mon
Silver: Dimapur
Bronze : Mokokchung
The Director of Youth Resource and Sports Kethosituo Sekhose pronounced the vote of thanks earlier and Pastor CBLK S.Anungla blessed the program with prayer.
