On a day filled with nostalgia and brimming with anticipation, the Kichutip Sporting Association (KSA) marked a significant milestone, celebrating its Silver Jubilee on 24 October 2023 at Arok Salang in Kichutip Ward, Mokokchung town.
Distinguished by the presence of Special Guest Longden Longkumer, the Managing Director of LL Group Private Limited, the event was a cozy affair. Longkumer unveiled the Jubilee Souvenir in the company of Er Taliwapang, calling the occasion a “Milestone.” According to Longkumer, it perfectly aligns with the event’s theme, “Greater Heights,” given the accomplishments made by the KSA.
In his address to the gathering, Longkumer urged them to replace ‘inferiority complex’ with self-belief in their talents and hard work. He emphasized the importance of supporting one another, fostering quality, and nurturing the dreams of aspiring athletes. With optimism, he looked forward to the Golden Jubilee celebration, hoping that KSA would have produced names of national and international recognition by then.
Addressing the gathering with a warm welcome, President of KSA, Imtichiba Kichu, called for unity in wisdom and spirit to carry forward the legacy of the sporting association.
KSA is one of the clubs in the Mokokchung district celebrating its Silver Jubilee. It was founded in 1998 with Late Watilemba as its first president. I Panger Jamir, the club’s inaugural treasurer, expressed gratitude to the younger generation for their pivotal role in bringing the club to this significant juncture. He acknowledged both the failures and successes of the club, urging the youth to learn from past mistakes and continue the journey with renewed vigor.
Talitoshi Imchen, manager of MH 10, shared a memorable anecdote from 1986 when he and eight others aspired to purchase a football but couldn’t afford it. With the help of three generous individuals, they acquired a football, giving birth to the Beginner’s Club Aongza. This club later amalgamated with the Adventure Club Aongza and later became the Kichutip Sporting Association. He recalled how the club had its first fundraiser through a raffle draw but the winner never claimed the prize.
Imchen, while reminiscing the memories of the Association, proposed the idea of registering or affiliating the club with the Youth Resources Department in Kohima, emphasizing the potential for improvement through potential grant-in-aid. He also encouraged the association to increase its sports activities such as volleyball coaching, as people from outside Mokokchung frequently visit the district for volleyball games.
Imkongmar, a member of the planning committee, proudly highlighted the club’s achievements and mentioned the club’s recognition by the Kichutip Ward Authority, further reinforcing its significance. Imkongyanger, Chairman of Kichutip Ward, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the KSA for bringing laurels to the ward by winning the interward volleyball tournament in 2015.
Member of the Aongza & Kichutip Cricket Fraternity, Akumningsang fondly recollected the unity of the club and thanked KSA for consistently providing players to A&K CF whenever needed.
Sanglipong, the convenor of the planning committee, extended sincere thanks to the special guest for supporting the jubilee celebration both monetarily and morally. He also conveyed gratitude to Minister of Rural Development Metsübo Jamir and his family for their generous monetary donation.
The jubilee celebration was further enhanced by a soulful duet performance by Alemnokcha and Temsuyapang. The event also featured the presentation of awards to individuals for their remarkable achievements, and a touching moment of silence was observed to honor those who had passed away.
Bendang Jamir, Associate Pastor of MTBA, invoked God’s presence in the midst while the event was compered by Asanaro Kichu and Limatola Kichu. The event concluded with a benediction from Temjenmeren Imchen, Pastor of New Yaongyimti Baptist Church.