The Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) organised an Inter-Ward Futsal Championship at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground) on October 15 as part of its Golden Jubilee celebration marking 50 years of service.
Addressing the inaugural programme, Chairman of the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), Neibodzelie Solo, congratulated KCCI on completing five decades, describing the milestone as a legacy built through the dedication, hard work and commitment of those who had served the organisation over the years.
He appreciated the organising committee for the initiative and acknowledged the Kohima Town Club (KTC) and Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) for their partnership in the sporting arrangements, along with the Kohima Press Club (KPC) for supporting the championship as media partner. He also expressed gratitude to the volunteers, supporters and well-wishers who contributed to the event.
Highlighting the wider significance of sports, Solo quoted the late Nelson Mandela, saying that sports had the power to inspire people and unite communities.
He said the championship provided young people with a platform to showcase their talents, channel their energy positively and develop values that extended beyond the playing field. Emphasising discipline, teamwork, respect and collective responsibility, he said talent alone was not enough to achieve success in sports or in life.
Drawing parallels between teamwork on the field and cooperation in society, Solo said building a better Kohima was a shared responsibility involving the Municipal Council, business community, civil society organisations and citizens, particularly the youth.
He said initiatives such as the championship strengthened relationships among wards, brought people closer and reinforced a sense of belonging to one community. Urging the participating teams to play fairly and respect their opponents, he stressed that good sportsmanship was reflected not only in celebrating victory but also in accepting defeat gracefully.
He expressed hope that the championship would leave behind stronger bonds of friendship and unity among the wards, adding that KCCI’s Golden Jubilee was an opportunity for the organisation to demonstrate its contribution to the wider community.
In his presidential address, KCCI president, Ruokuoneilie Kesiezie said trade was the foundation of every society, contributing to the growth and stability of towns. He, however, emphasised that businesses also depended on a supportive community and that people needed to come together regularly to renew relationships, understand one another and work collectively.
He said the futsal championship served a purpose beyond competition, bringing different groups together and strengthening community bonds.
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Kesiezie described the Golden Jubilee as a tribute to decades of hard work by traders, elders and the people of Kohima, who had built businesses from humble beginnings and contributed to shaping the town and its marketplace.
He also called on people to use the jubilee as an opportunity for reconciliation by setting aside past resentments, forgiving previous wrongs and renewing cooperation across different sectors.
Stressing the importance of collective efforts in Kohima, the state capital, he said every ward, colony and community had a role in ensuring the town’s progress. He noted that earlier generations had established strong cultural bonds, mutual trust and a shared sense of responsibility towards the town.
While acknowledging the changes brought about by modern lifestyles, digital systems and outside influences, Kesiezie stressed the need to preserve these social connections, stating that technology could not replace human relationships and the responsibility people owed one another.
The programme was chaired by Vizosienuo Shüya, while Lipoknungsang Jamir, Associate Pastor of KABA, pronounced the invocation. Keziah Semy presented a special number.
The championship is being managed by Kohima Town Club (KTC) in collaboration with the Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) and Kohima Press Club (KPC).
Naga Bazaar thrash Bayavü 16-0
Meanwhile, Ward No. 4 (Naga Bazaar) began its campaign in the Inter-Ward Futsal Championship with a commanding 16-0 victory over Ward No. 2 (B) (Bayavü). Hanchu scored seven goals in the opening match of the tournament.
In other matches, Ward No. 8 (New Market) B team defeated Ward No. 5 (Kitsübozou) A team via a tie-breaker after the match ended in a 3-3 draw. New Market A team also advanced after overcoming Ward No. 6 (D. Block) A team via a tie-breaker following a 1-1 draw.
Ward No. 1 (High School) A team defeated Ward No. 9 (Midland) A team 6-4, while Ward No. 7 (Daklane) B team overcame Midland B team via a tie-breaker after a 4-4 draw.
Ward No. 3 (North Block) B team registered an 8-2 victory over Ward No. 1B (High School/Peraciezie), while Ward No. 19B (P.R. Hill) edged Ward No. 2 (Bayavü) A team via a tie-breaker after a 4-4 draw.
Ward No. 5 (Kitsübozou) B team defeated Ward No. 17 (Agri/Forest/Electrical Colony) 4-1, while Ward No. 16 concluded the day’s fixtures with a 4-3 win over Ward No. 3 (North Block) A team.
October 16 fixtures (10 a.m.)
Court 1: Ward No. 14A (Porterlane) vs Ward No. 4 (Naga Bazaar)
Court 2: Ward No. 10A (Hospital Colony) vs Ward No. 7B (Daklane)
