The Inter-District GHSS & GHS tournament 2025, sponsored by Samagra Shiksha, Nagaland was kicked off on Tuesday at local ground, Medziphema. The tournament aims to foster sportsmanship and healthy competition among students from Government Higher Secondary Schools (GHSS) and Government High Schools (GHS) across Nagaland.
The chief guest, Advisor for School Education & SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, emphasizing the importance of sports in education, discipline, and character building.
Dr. Yhome emphasized the role of sports in fostering competition, friendship, and personal growth among students. He expressed optimism about expanding the event to other parts of the state, hinting that Tuensang could be the next host.
He underscored the unifying power of sports and its global significance, urging students to take inspiration from Olympian Chekrovolu and Paralympian Hokato Hotozhe Sema hoping that from 15-20 years now some of students, will excel globally and bring laurels.
Highlighting the importance of physical activity, Dr. Yhome noted that while Nagas come from an agrarian background, younger generations engage less in physical work than their parents. He stressed that regular activity is crucial for overall well-being. He also informed that Nagaland has 32 Khelo India centres under the Department of YRS, which are being reviewed for better coordination and development.
Dr. Yhome also highlighted the visit of Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, who appreciated the floral arrangements during her stay, emphasizing how simple efforts can make Nagaland stand out. He further mentioned the state’s school choral competitions and celebrated the achievement of a choral group from Nagaland that won the World Choral Championship.
Encouraging students to maximize available opportunities, he assured that the government, through the Union Ministry, is working to enhance school sports facilities, including indoor and outdoor infrastructure. He urged students and sportspersons to approach challenges with confidence and professionalism, noting the importance of body language in achieving excellence.
The advisor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sports development under chief minister Neiphiu Rio, who also serves as the president of the Nagaland Olympic Association. He stated that the government would identify talented student-athletes and place them in training academies to nurture their potential, ultimately bringing pride to the state.
The inaugural ceremony was chaired by Physical Education Officer, Vitsolie Keyho, who informed that about 500 students from all districts are participating in the three-day tournament, competing in 14 events, including volleyball for boys, self-defence for girls, Sepaktakraw for both boys and girls, 100m and 200m races for both boys and girls, 800m race for girls, 1500m race for boys, long jump for both boys and girls, javelin, and discus throw for both boys and girls.
The programme began with an invocation prayer by Youth Director, BCAMT, Lhounyü Dolie, followed by a special performance from GHSS Medziphema. The oath-taking ceremony was led by the competition director, Neilazetuo Khezhie after which the chief guest officially declared the tournament open. The event will culminate on March 27.