The 14 Inter-District Catch Them Young Tournament 2022, which is underway at Indra Gandhi Stadium, Kohima from 13 October 2022, was declared opened by Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Development Commissioner, Government of Nagaland, A.S Bhatia IAS as Special Guest.
Bhatia urged all the 16 districts' young participants in the tournament to maintain the three required international ethics in sports- discipline, hard work, and dedication. He said besides learning sports from schools, the government also provides facilities including coaches and puts more effort to identify young and talented kids to groom them to bring medals at the state, national and International levels. He encouraged the young players, who were selected from the respective districts that they are the beginning of the journey for this Sepaktakraw sport. He added that sports teach a lot of life skills to them on how to perform in a team and, understand the strength and weaknesses in partnership. Sports teach things that people would never learn in books which would take them a long way in life, therefore, he urged them to be professional and avail the opportunity. Bhatia said the sportspersons should accept their wins and losses in equal strength.
He also thanked the three international players Viseyie Koso, Akumtila, Vesevilü Dozo, who shared their experiences during this event after bringing laurels to the state.
President, Nagaland, Sepaktakraw Association, Ruokuo Kire who shared short speeches lauded the Youth Resource and Sports Department for allowing Sepaktakraw to develop from grass root level through the Conduct of this Inter-District 'Catch Them Young' Tournament. Sepaktakraw is 25 years old in Nagaland and constantly maintained the top 5 level in the National ranking (Girls-3, Boys -5). The Nagaland Sepaktakraw team competed in 44 Regional and National championships and achieved 74 Medals for the state at 25 years old in Nagaland. He also shared a thought on the 3 Ds, which stands for determination, dedication, and discipline.
Secretary Youth Resources and Sports Wezope Kenye IAS and other officials also attended the programme.
Oath-taking on behalf of players and officials was administered by Teputhuto Dzune and Arentoshi respectively.
Special Song was presented by IG Academy Trainees and the Welcome address was delivered by Additional Director YR&S Megolhu, Invocation was pronounced by Advisor Evangelical Students' fellowship, IGS, Kohima. In the first boys' match, Noklak was defeated by the Phek district.
(Mhathung Ngullie APRO)
