The 38th Zunheboto Area Sports Association (ZASA) Kükami Trophy was kicked off on January 12 and will continue till January 17 at District Sports Council Ground Zunheboto. Kitoho S. Rotokha, former Deputy Chairperson of the Zunheboto Town Council (ZTC) and Vice President of the Sumi Hoho, served as the chief guest at the opening ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Kitoho S. Rotokha expressed mixed feelings and stressed the need to revive and retrospect the functioning of ZASA. He pointed out that the association has been using the same ground for more than three decades without proper infrastructure. He highlighted that soft power, unlike sports, music, and culture, has no barriers and urged youths to pursue their talents with dedication. Citing the over-saturated population of Nagaland, he emphasized the need to acquire skills to create opportunities.
Rotokha also encouraged greater focus and interest in skill development and sports and cautioned against compromising traditional Titles, stating that the Sumi and Yimchunger tribes are among those with hereditary village chieftainship systems. He further highlighted that Article 371(A) protects the people of Nagaland and advised focusing on long-term benefits rather than instant gains. He also called for serious attention towards the development of a standard turf football ground.
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Delivering his greetings, Iloka Shohe, President of the Sumi Games and Sports Association, stated that the present generation has opportunities to earn through sports. He emphasized that the Sumi Games and Sports Association is dedicated to shaping and moulding sportspeople and assured financial support for young athletes willing to pursue coaching classes. Highlighting the issue of unemployment, he noted that over 70,000 youths are job seekers due to a lack of skills and stressed the importance of skill development. He also urged players to display true sportsmanship.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Akavi S. Zhimo, Games and Sports Secretary of ZASA. The programme began with an invocation by Dr. Ikheto Awomi, Pastor of Natha Old Baptist Church, followed by a welcome address delivered by Akukau Khekuto Zhimo, Chairman of Zunheboto Tokujo Kukami. A special number was presented by Liagrace T. Yeptho.
The oath-taking ceremony was administered by the Games and Sports Secretary of ZASA, following which the special guest officially opened the match.
