The Kohima District Basketball Association (KDBA) held a Candlelight Vigil on October 29 at the D Khel Basketball Court in memory of the late Vihozhonu Zao.
In his address, KDBA President Khrielasakuo Keretsü expressed the profound loss felt by the community. “We are grappling not just with a loss, but with a tragic act of violence that has stolen a bright light from our world,” he stated. “The pain is immeasurable, but so is the love we have for Vihozhonu.”
He remembered her smile, her laugh, and her significant impact as a player both on and off the court. Highlighting her achievements, he noted that she represented the KDBA to win gold at the Nagaland Olympics 2022 and also represented the state at the Under-23 National Basketball Championship earlier this year.
“She didn’t just play the game; she was the heart of it—a role model who proved that hard work and a positive spirit can take you far,” he said. “The silence on the court now is deafening, a testament to the void she has left.”
Keretsü strongly condemned the nature of her passing, calling it “senseless, cruel, and an unimaginable tragedy.” He urged the community to “fight against the darkness that took her life” and called upon law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure the perpetrators face the full force of the law.
Lawrence Solo spoke on behalf of Vihozhonu’s family, thanking everyone for their support during this difficult time.
Salew Kadete, on behalf of Team ABC, and Lika Aye also shared tributes, remembering Vihozhonu as a top-performing, obedient, and disciplined student who did not deserve such a cruel fate.
Representatives from Suncity Kohima President Zhabu Rutsa the Tseminyu Basketball Association, and the Angami Women Organisation, who were present at the gathering, also shared messages of condolence and condemnation.
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Condolence messages from the Nagaland Basketball Association and the Kohima District Cricket Association were read aloud to the assembly. Their statements urged the concerned authorities and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to expedite the investigation into her tragic death. Emphasizing that “justice delayed is justice denied,” they called for urgent, transparent, and resolute action to ensure the culprit is brought to justice and such a loss is never repeated.
Earlier, invocation pronounced by KDBA Joint Secretary, Vizokhrienuo Khro, the lighting of candles and a moment of silence in Vihozhonu’s memory was held.
