The Federation of Traditional Catapult (FTC) is set to host the 6th Hornbill Darts Masters from December 6 to 8, in Kohima.
The event will take place across two venues; the Nagaland Olympic Association office complex and the Heritage Old DC Bungalow.
The Hornbill Darts Masters, held in collaboration with the Tourism Department and the Government of Nagaland, has gained recognition as a National Ranking event by the Indian Darts Council (IDC) since 2022.
The upcoming tournament features a total prize pool of Rs. 5.5 lakh and has attracted 86 participants from Malaysia and nine Indian states, including Assam, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Nagaland.
The competition will feature five categories:
Team Event, Draw Doubles, Men’s Singles (IDC National Ranking Event), Ladies’ Singles (IDC National Ranking Event), FTC Open Singles.
The preliminary rounds will be held from December 6 to 8, starting from 9 a.m. at the Nagaland Olympic Association office complex. The grand finale is scheduled for December 8 at 5 p.m at the Heritage Old DC Bungalow.
In a bid to promote indigenous games, FTC will debut its Traditional Sports edition during the event. Activities include: Catapult Shooting, Spear Throw, Zutho Darts. According to FTC, this initiative aims to blend traditional Naga culture with modern sporting events, providing a unique platform for local talents.
The finale will feature live performances by Seyievinuo Chuzo and Susalho Ringa, followed by a DJ session with DJ OIR. Tickets for the grand finale are priced at Rs.150.
The event will be managed by Gutouch Events. FTC highlighted the challenges faced by Nagas in participating in national-level sports due to high costs. By hosting such events locally, the organization aims to bridge this gap and offer a professional sporting experience in the state.
The 6th Hornbill Darts Masters promises an exciting blend of competition, culture, and entertainment, making it a significant highlight of the Hornbill Festival 2024.