In an endeavor to strengthen the bond and unity among the Naga youth through sports, a sports meet was held under the initiative of Naga Students' Union, Delhi (NSUD).
Games and sports are buzzwords for youth of the north-east and with an aim to strengthen the bond among them and take sports further, the students and sports lovers united on one platform to celebrate the theme of 'One Naga One sports'.
The 52nd yearly edition of Naga Sports Meet was held under the aegis of the NSUD.
"Through these sports, we are actually giving platform to those who are excelling in sports activities. So, this is one of the platforms where they can refine their skills," said NSUD general secretary Marikho.
Moyung Students' Union president Miranda said it is an opportunity to connect and unite
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"Every year we conduct this sports week and it is very significant because it is the only time where all of us come together and celebrate the true essence of sportsmanship. It's also an occasion where we all come together united as Naga. We have lots of different tribes so this is an opportunity for us to connect, unite and get to know each other," Miranda said.
Around 3,000 to 4,000 students turned out to participate in different games with great spirit. The teams were divided into different categories and each team came with its unique cultural identity.
Altogether 14 teams participated in various sports like football, basketball, volleyball, chess, arm wrestling etc.
The youth from different Naga communities like Chathe, Moyung and Puimei gathered with enthusiasm to cheer up the players.
An interesting game of chess also took place between teams 'Sramati' and 'Shilloi'.
"We want to participate so we joined in the volleyball match and right here is our team. I met them for the first time but they gave me so much of team support that I think in the coming year I would like to be in this team," said Patricha Chinior, participant, Women's volleyball.
"It's very hot, very exhausting, but it's a good experience being here. We are confident enough and giving our best and hopefully we will try to make it," added Philer Rasong, the captain of Chathe football team.
Karak Edward, a member of Doyang football team, said it is a platform where all Nagas come together.
"And we unite ourselves through sports like football, basketball, volleyball and other individual game. We belong to green colour. As of now game is going well. We are giving our best," he added.
However, the growth of women's football in the state is still at a nascent stage. With proper infrastructure and training, women in Nagaland would be able to match their male counterparts in this sport.
The women's determination could be seen in the recent grueling match between team 'Zuko' and team 'Shiloi', where young girls played basketball with great zeal and passion.
"I think it will help us in a lot of ways. It keeps us fit also. We often play sports. It's not that we just come once a year, we often play sports together. It is strengthening the bond as we all are a huge family. We literally thank NSUD for giving us this opportunity to showcase our talent," said Kalinovichopi, a participant of women's basketball team 'Zuko'.
The standard of the annual Naga sports meet has increased with each passing year, with more of young and enthusiastic players, especially women, getting involved in sports and attracting thousands of spectators.
