The Nagaland Basketball Association (NBA) expressed deep shock and outrage over the “brutal and senseless murder” of Vihozhonu Zao, describing her as a “rising star of Nagaland women’s basketball and a proud representative of the state at the U23 National Basketball Championship held in Guwahati earlier this year.”
“Vihozhonu was more than an athlete—she was a symbol of hope, discipline, and determination for countless young sportspersons across Nagaland. Her life, full of promise and potential, has been cut short by an act of unimaginable violence,” the NBA stated.
Calling the incident “a devastating loss for the entire sporting community,” the association urged law enforcement authorities and the state government to “leave no stone unturned in identifying and apprehending the perpetrator(s).”
“We urge the government to ensure that justice is swift and uncompromising, sending a clear and resolute message that such barbaric acts will not be tolerated in our society,” the letter stated.
“As we mourn the loss of one of our brightest talents, we also reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the dignity and safety of every athlete in Nagaland,” it added.
The statement was signed by Zhaleo Rio, IAS (Retd), President, and Sentiningsang Longkumer, Honorary Secretary of the Nagaland Basketball Association.
