Chief Commissioner of Nagaland State Bharat Scouts and Guides, Pelezotuo (Atuo) Mezhür Sekhose, a renown figure in Nagaland’s social, sports and education circles passed away at 77 on the night of June 13, following a prolonged illness.
During his lifetime, Mezhür held numerous positions which set him apart as a trailblazer in different fields. In sports, he had served as the vice president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), general secretary Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), president Nagaland Football Association and president of Nagaland Table Tennis Association, to name a few.
Among the historic milestones he achieved were serving as Chef-de-Mission of the Indian Football Team during international competitions in Mauritius, England and Northern Ireland and representing India at the FIFA Conference in Australia. Under his leadership, the Indian football team lifted the Ian Rush Trophy in the UK in 2004.
He also served as the Regional Manager of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and worked towards upholding the memory of those who fought in the great wars reminding the people of the value of history, sacrifice and honour. He was last serving as the State Commissioner for Bharat Scouts and Guides- a position he was holding from 2018 till date.
Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Governor La Ganesan and various organisations paid rich tributes to the deceased leader and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.
“His dedication, humility and unwavering commitment to public service were truly remarkable… His passing is not only a loss to the state, but also a deeply personal loss to us,” CM Rio said in a message.
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“Late Atuo was a distinguished educationist, administrator, and public figure who devoted his life to the service of the people of Nagaland. His tireless contributions in the fields of education, sports, and community service have left an indelible mark on the State. In his demise, Nagaland has lost a dedicated and selfless leader,” stated Governor Ganesan.
NOA secretary general Abu Metha, on behalf of the association said, “Late Mezhür’s tireless efforts to uplift youth and support sportspersons in Nagaland laid the groundwork for many of the structures and opportunities we benefit from today. The strong sporting framework we have inherited owes much to the sacrifices and pioneering spirit of visionaries like him. His name will forever be remembered with gratitude, etched in golden letters in the annals of Nagaland’s sporting history.”
The NFA stated that the football community mourns the irreplaceable loss of “our dear leader and father-figure” along with his family members.
