The Angami Catholic Youth Association (ACYA) hosted the second edition of the Vikepelhu Lucas Meyase Memorial Volleyball Running Trophy at St. Joseph Higher Secondary School, Viswema, in a one-day tournament organized by St. Joseph Church, Viswema Village. A total of 47 teams competed in both the men’s and women’s categories.
In the men’s category, CYA St. John the Evangelist Church, Khonoma secured the championship title, while CYA St. Paul Church, Phesama finished as runners-up. The best setter awards were bagged by Khrielekho Philip from Phesama and Mhiesileto Edmund from Khonoma.
In the women’s category, CYA St. Xavier Church, Kidima emerged victorious, with CYA St. John the Evangelist Church, Khonoma taking the runners-up spot. Mhiesimeno Margaret from Khonoma and Vikusale Veronica Thol from Kidima were recognized as the best setters.
The semi-finalists in the women’s category included CYA Rosa Mystica Church, Rüzaphema Block-III and CYA Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Zhadima. In the men’s category, CYA St. Luke Church, Mima and CYA St. Michael Church, Kigwema made it to the semi-finals.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Angami Catholic Union (ACU) vice president Mhiesinguto Mark, who commended the youth’s enthusiasm despite the event being postponed due to the Pope’s passing.
He stressed the importance of preserving cultural identity, stating that losing one’s culture equates to losing oneself. He also encouraged the youth to glorify God through their games, highlighting sports as a form of spiritual expression.
The event opened with a prayer by Assistant Parish Priest of Mary Help of Christians Cathedral Kohima, Rev. Fr. Megoriekho Thomas. ACYA president Beituo Cyril and CYA Viswema president Meyiesul Methodious Rhetso welcomed the participants and attendees, while Menuoseü Mary Sorhie presented a special musical performance.
Speaking about Vikepelhu Lucas Meyase, in whose memory the tournament was organized, Rokosekho Ronald Meru reflected on his contributions to the Catholic youth community. Born in 1948, Meyase was baptized in 1963 and served as a catechist from 1964 to 1965.
He was the first ACYA president, holding the position for four tenures between 1975 and 1981. Meyase later worked as a statistical assistant in the Department of School Education in 1979 and eventually became a director in 2013, before passing away in 2021. Meru described him as a true son of God and a dedicated church leader, whose legacy continues to inspire the youth.
The oath-taking ceremony was conducted by Neisalie Abel Mejura, co-convenor of the organizing committee. The tournament concluded with a closing ceremony chaired by secretary of the organizing committee, Vizobeilie Victor Punyü, vote of thanks was delivered by convenor of the local organizing committee, Hovitso Cletus Rhetso, while the final prayer was led by catechist of St. Peter Church Viswema, Kronosa Cornelius Vitsu.