The 52nd Sports Meet of the Chokri Area Games and Sports Association (CAGSA), hosted by Thenyizu Village, commenced today at the Local Ground, Thenyizu Village, with Advisor for CAWD and Taxes, Government of Nagaland, Kudecho Khamo, as the Guest Speaker.
Khamo, in his address during the opening ceremony, appreciated and praised the leaders of Thenyizu Village for their futuristic vision and efforts, including the construction of the “Rest House Thenyizu,” Morungs, and two playgrounds. He also lauded the achievements of the village members in various fields.
He remarked that the Chokri Area people have been pioneers at various levels, working for the welfare of the community. Highlighting the achievements of the Chakhesang people, he mentioned the first IPS (Direct recruit) officer Besesayo Kezo, IAS officer Vevotolu Kezo (through direct recruitment), as well as Neposo Theluo and Zhothisa Dawhuo, who were conferred IAS, and Rothihu Tetseo and Vekhosa Kotso, who were conferred IPS.
Khamo emphasized that sports are not merely recreational activities but a serious profession offering fame, popularity, and employment. He highlighted the achievements of Dr. T. Ao, Archer Chekrovolu Swuro (an Arjuna Awardee), and recent Paralympic Bronze Medalist Hokato Hotozhe Sema, also an Arjuna Awardee, urging sportspersons to draw inspiration and pursue sports with dedication.
He noted that the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), under the leadership of its President and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, is promoting sports at all levels to groom young sportspersons from the state. He mentioned the successful hosting of the Northeast Olympic Games and other national and international events, adding that the state plans to bid for more national sporting events to provide platforms and exposure to athletes.
The Advisor reiterated that the government is working toward meritocracy through competitive examinations and launching schemes for entrepreneurship, farming, health, and other people-centric initiatives.
Encouraging the youth, he stressed the importance of living life with vision and purpose, urging them to avoid alcohol and substance abuse, which hinder success. He called on the Chokri Area people to uphold honesty and integrity—values essential for progress in politics, church, and village leadership—and encouraged collective efforts to become agents of change.
In his greetings, Vivolie Kezo, President of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), expressed happiness about the progress made by the Chokri Area people in various fields and commended Thenyizu Village for being progressive.
Kezo informed that NWA is working to develop and expand wrestling across districts and tribes. He noted that during the last Hornbill International Wrestling Championship, five new tribes joined the event, bringing the total to eight participating tribes.
Kezo announced plans for the Asian Belt Wrestling Championship and the Naga Open Wrestling Championship, scheduled tentatively for February 24 to March 2, 2025. The event will feature participants from over 20 Asian countries, two African countries, and three European countries, who will also learn Naga Wrestling. He added that efforts are underway to promote Naga Wrestling at the international level, with a proposal submitted to United World Wrestling (UWW) for a “World Naga Wrestling Championship.”
Kezo expressed optimism that promoting wrestling at the international level would open opportunities for wrestlers to become referees, coaches, and officials, providing employment and livelihood. He encouraged sportspersons to take sports seriously and pursue professionalism as the field continues to grow.
During the occasion, Advisor Khamo inaugurated the “Rest House Thenyizu” and Morungs, constructed by the Thenyizu Village Council to commemorate the event. He also unfurled the association’s flag and lit the tournament torch.
The presidential address was delivered by Sekho Dawhuo, President of CAGSA. The opening ceremony was led by Vesezo Ringa, Advisor of CAGSA, with an invocation prayer offered by Thepuzhoyi Theyo, Senior Pastor of Thenyizu Baptist Church. A special song was presented by Hoto Band, and the oath-taking ceremony was administered by Besuhtsoyi Vero, Games and Sports Secretary of CAGSA.
The week-long sporting event will feature:
Track Events (Men and Women): 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10,000m, 4x100m Relay, and 4x400m Mixed Relay.
Field Events (Men and Women): Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, Shot Put, Discus Throw, and Javelin Throw.
Other Events (Men and Women): Arm Wrestling, Football, Volleyball, and Basketball.