The 1st Kohima district inter-school basketball tournament organised by the Kohima District Basketball Association (KDBA) in collaboration with the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” kicked off on Wednesday at St. Marys Cathedral Hr. Secondary School, Lerie Kohima. The event was graced by Dr. Tsielhoutuo Rhutso, MLA as the special guest.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Dr. Rhutso acknowledged the commitment of chief minister Neiphiu Rio to promote sports in Nagaland, focusing on identifying young talents and nurturing their skills to help them become winners and champions at both national and international levels.
The special guest remarked that participation in sports transcends winning or losing. He expressed hope that sports would foster unity and harmony among students and schools while discouraging tribalism. He highlighted basketball as a game requiring high energy and continuous movement, advising that coordination of the body is crucial. He anticipated that engaging in this sport will enhance physical fitness and strength.
With this tournament, he hoped that KDBA will effectively identify and cultivate talent, grooming players to excel not only at the state level but also nationally and internationally.
He noted the abundance of talent among the Nagas and encouraged them to discover their strengths, invest in their skills, and strive to be the best.
Earlier, the programme began with an invocation by principal of St. Mary’s Cathedral Higher Secondary School in Lerie, Vemedo Kezo, followed by remarks from KDBA president Vimhalie Pienyii. Nunese Sale, convenor delivered the vote of thanks, while Khrielasakuo Keretsü led the oath-taking ceremony. This event is sponsored by Department of Youth Resources and sports and the Birds and Bees Talk.