The much-anticipated 1st Inter High School and Higher Secondary School Annual Basketball Tournament 2025 officially commenced on July 10 at the BAMD Basketball Court, Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung. Organized by the Basketball Association of Mokokchung District (BAMD), the opening ceremony was graced by Sentinenla, District Education Officer (DEO) Mokokchung, as the Special Guest. The tournament is scheduled to conclude on July 12.
Sentinenla emphasized on the importance of reviving the once-thriving sports culture in the district while addressing students and participants at the opening of the 1st Inter High School and Higher Secondary School Basketball Tournament 2025.
Drawing a contrast between the past and present, she recalled how basketball once dominated school-level sports in Mokokchung through initiatives like Catch Them Young. “Basketball was everywhere —boys and girls from all schools participated actively,” she said, noting that many of her peers from those days have gone on to become coaches or hold prominent positions, thanks to their sporting discipline.
Acknowledging a decline in such sporting activities over the past decade, she pointed out a renewed interest among youth, especially following the completion of the new basketball court in the town.
“Even at night, students are playing — that’s a positive sign,” she observed.
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Highlighting the tournament theme “Forging Future”, Sentinenla urged students to see the game as more than competition — but as a path to developing leadership, character, and resilience. She underscored that education should go beyond academics, stating, “Education must nurture both the mind and the body.”
She encouraged schools and the community to support such platforms that unite students from diverse areas, including Changki, Mopungchuket, and Impur, helping build friendship and mutual respect. “This tournament reflects what sport can do — bring together students from different backgrounds and help forge meaningful bonds,” she added.
She also reaffirmed the Education Department’s support for initiatives that promote co-curricular activities and holistic development. “Participation in sports teaches values like perseverance, teamwork, and handling both success and failure with grace,” she noted.
Commending the efforts of BAMD, teachers, and school administrators, she called on students to compete with passion, humility, and sportsmanship. “Every pass, sprint, and shot is not just a move on the court — it’s a step toward becoming a stronger individual,” she said.
President of the Basketball Association Mokokchung District (BAMD), Temsutoshi Longkumer, expressed gratitude to the students and organizing committee members for their dedication in making the first-ever Inter High School and Higher Secondary School Basketball Tournament a reality.
He acknowledged the active support of school administrations and teachers in encouraging students to participate in basketball — a globally recognized sport that can also open professional pathways for committed individuals.
Reaffirming BAMD’s commitment to nurturing young talent, he stated that the association is ready to support students in developing their skills and providing them opportunities to grow. He encouraged students to begin with humility and dedication, noting that Nagas have already represented the state and nation in the sport.
Citing the tournament theme, Forging Future, Longkumer urged players to maintain discipline not only on the court but in all aspects of life, and called on them to stay united and bring pride to the district and Nagaland.
In the opening match, Eden Academy secured a dominant victory over Government High School Changki with a score of 38-12. The second match saw Clark Memorial Higher Secondary School defeating Christian Residential Higher Secondary School 25-16. Queen Mary Higher Secondary School overwhelmed Straightway Higher Secondary School in the third match, winning by a massive margin of
59-20.
The tournament’s fourth match and first in the girls’ category featured Mayangnokcha
Government Higher Secondary School taking on Eden Academy, with Mayangnokcha GHSS clinching a strong 16-2 win. In the fifth match (boys), Mayangnokcha GHSS continued their winning streak by beating Town Higher Secondary School 36-13. The sixth match saw a closely fought contest between
Eden Academy and Clark Memorial Higher Secondary School, with Clark Memorial emerging victorious with a narrow 26-23 win.
Tutu Jamir, Convenor of the Organizing Committee, chaired the programme, while Opangkokla presented a special number. Merenlong Aier, Co-ordinator of the Technical Team, led the oath-taking ceremony, during which the players pledged to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship, fair play, and discipline throughout the tournament. This was followed by the introduction of players from the participating schools. The event reached its sporting high point with the ceremonial tip-off, officially marking the commencement of the tournament.
The tournament will also recognize the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Most Promising Player in both the boys’ and girls’ categories. A total prize money of ₹55,000 has been earmarked for the tournament, along with running trophies for the winning teams in both categories.
Altogether, 13 teams from 9 schools across Mokokchung district are participating in this inaugural edition.
