The Kichutip Youth Association (KYA) on Wednesday evening felicitated Odilemba Kichu at the residence of its treasurer to honour his rising career in cricket, marked by his participation in the Ranji Trophy 2025–2026 season.
Addressing the gathering, KYA Youth President Zulutemjen Kichu said the Association was proud to recognise a young talent who has become a source of inspiration for the community. “Your commitment, skill, and sportsmanship have been an inspiration to the youth and the community. We, the Kichutip Youth Association, are proud to acknowledge your achievements and extend our heartfelt appreciation for your contributions to the sport,” he said.
KYA Advisor Talitoshi Pongen expressed happiness over the achievement, noting how sports was rarely considered a career option in earlier decades. He remarked that growing parental encouragement has now begun to produce outstanding young sportspersons from the district.
Odilemba’s father, Temsukaba, thanked the Association for recognising his son. He shared that such gestures uplift young sportspersons and strengthen their resolve. Speaking to MT, he recalled Odilemba’s early interest in cricket: “As a father, I would carve out a bat for him and make a ball with rubber and we would play cricket as a timepass. But that was how his interest developed.”
He admitted that the family was initially hesitant to let him pursue the sport and send him to Dimapur until Odilemba received a call for the Under-16 selection. “I told him to try once, and if he doesn’t get selected, drop it. ,” he said.
Reflecting on sports as a career, he added: “During our times, we have been brainwashed into believing that we have to study and get into a government job. But today, I have learned that we have to recognise the children’s talent and encourage them and utilise their talent in the right way.”
Odilemba, thanking the KYA, said he hopes to continue improving and inspire younger players. Executive member Sungkumjung lauded him for being a role model for youths in the ward.
Speaking to MT, Odilemba shared that he will appear for the further selection round for the Syed Mushtaq Ali ODI, scheduled for December 24 if selected. Five matches of the Ranji Trophy season have already been completed, with two more slated for January and February 2026. After the season, zonal selections will take place. “The best of the best will be selected for a one-month camp match and only then will they be selected for the Nationals,” he explained.
He said cricket is a viable career for those willing to work hard under the right mentorship. He also expressed gratitude to the Mokokchung District Cricket Association and its president, Imlikumzuk Longkumer, for recognising his talent early and supporting him throughout his cricketing journey.
Odilemba recalled his early coaching days under Talikaba in 2017, who not only trained him but personally accompanied him to Sovima, Dimapur, for the Under-17 selection camp. He credited his family, friends, and mentors for their constant encouragement, recounting the support of his school principal, Sir Yutsung, who allowed him to balance academics and cricket in his formative years.
Having left academics after Class 12 to pursue cricket full-time, Odilemba has since represented Nagaland in the Under-16, Under-23, and Under-25 categories, played for the Northeast team, and earned a place in the National F Team (India), a development squad for top performers across the country.