The 14th Sumi Hoho Trophy was organized by Sumi Games and Sports Association at Suruhuto town ended on 9th March 202.
Wing Commander S. Akheto Jakhalu (VSM) Project Director IAF(Nagaland) graced the exhibition cum closing ceremony as guest of honour and former Indian football captain, Baichung Bhutia, Arjuna awardee, Padma Shri, and also the brand ambassador of 'Nagaland Premium Tea' as star guest appearance.
Jakhalu thanked Baichung and his team for their presence and added that the exhibition match was not only for fun but also a historic day for the Sumi people and that it has sowed a seed for the Sumi people to compete in National and international levels too. He exhorted the players saying that sports teach us a lot of things, it teaches you to be disciplined, to respect authority, and teaches us that in life we cannot do anything without Teamwork. He also encouraged the parents to focus on the co-curricular activities and the village councils to encourage sports in their respective villages if they want to see their village develop because this small sports person will become a leader to lead their village one day. He also advised the congregation to focus on tourism as there are many ways through which we can earn our livelihood by displaying our traditional and cultural items, traditional games, etc.
Lastly, he requested the organizers to try and add cultural and traditional games in the next edition of the Sumi hoho trophy.
Baichung Bhutia said when he reached Suruhuto the other day, the place looked exactly like his hometown and humorously said that he has declared himself as 'Half Sumi'. He thanked the organizers for inviting him and his team to Suruhuto. He encouraged the people to always come back to their roots and give back, help in the development process and promote other people who are not as fortunate or as gifted as you. He added that after due consultation with Jakhalu, they have decided that in a few days they will select 5 or 6 coaches from Suruhuto, train them in Sikkim or Siliguri so that they can return home, and train the people.
In the exhibition match played between Baichung 11 USFC Vs Sumi 11 FC, the match was a draw, as both teams failed to score.
In the Women's volleyball final match played between Pughoboto and Highway, Pughoboto secured victory, and in the Men's volleyball category Akuluto(VK) defeated Kuhuboto to emerge as volleyball champion.
In the final match i.e Men's football, Kuhuboto defeated Niuland 2-0 to emerge as the champion.
(DPRO/ IA Suruhoto)
