The Zeme Olympic Association kicked off the second Zeme Olympics 2024 with a grand opening ceremony on December 12 at Zenamyi Village, Bendramai, in Senapati District, Manipur.
This week-long event, set to run until December 18, brings together 64 contingents representing the Zeme villages and towns across the states of Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam.
The opening ceremony featured exciting highlights such as a traditional fire-making competition and a vibrant cultural dance performance by Bakie Village council. The first football matches of the Olympics commenced immediately after the ceremony.
This year’s Zeme Olympics will feature a diverse range of events including football, volleyball (men & women), individual competitions such as high jump, long jump, 100-meter race, relay race, as well as traditional games like the stilt bamboo race, shot put, tug of war, and more.
The program was held with N Kayisii, MLA, 49 Tadubi AC, president, NPP, Manipur along with two special guests Deputy Commissioner, Senapati Mamoni Doley, and Deputy Commissioner, Peren Hiazu Meru.
In his opening remarks, chief host N Kayisii emphasized the importance of unity through sports, stressing that despite the political boundaries dividing the Zeme community, events like the Zeme Olympics bring people together, transcending regional divisions.
President of the Zeme Olympics Association, Jeremiah Pame, assistant professor at Delhi University, highlighting the role of sports in the all-around development of youth, while also underscoring the need for educational advancement to secure a brighter future for the younger generation.
Ehile, Mamoni Doley encouraged participants to exhibit sportsmanship in their games and emphasized the importance of balancing athletic pursuits with academic achievements. She also extended her support for the event’s success and hoisted the official flag to mark the start of the games.
Hiazu Meru shared his views on the significance of this event in fostering unity among the Zeme community across multiple states. He highlighted the crucial role of improved road connectivity in enhancing cultural integrity, economic activities, and overall livelihoods. Meru officially declared the Zeme Olympics open by kicking off the first ball of the event.