Keneikhriezo Nakhro, a 13-year-old Sepaktakraw player from Tsiepama Village under Chümoukedima District

Keneikhriezo Nakhro, a 13-year-old Sepaktakraw player from Tsiepama Village under Chümoukedima District, is quickly rising as a promising young talent in the sport. He plays the role of a spiker and receiver and began his journey in Sepaktakraw in the year 2022.

Speaking about his journey, Keneikhriezo shared that it was not always easy. “In the beginning, it was very difficult to manage both studies and sports, but after one or two years, I’ve learned to balance both,” he said with confidence.

He trains hard, practicing for five hours every day — two hours in the morning and three hours in the evening. His strong routine shows his dedication and passion for the sport at such a young age.

Behind his success is the strong support of his family, who help him physically, mentally, and financially. “My family always encourages me to keep going, even when things get tough,” he said.

Currently, Keneikhriezo is not attached to any local club, but he is training under the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Dimapur, where he continues to sharpen his skills.

Despite his age, he has already taken part in major tournaments. He has played in three district-level competitions, the Nagaland Government High School Sports Meet, and represented Nagaland under-14 in Kerala. Most recently, he proudly represented Nagaland at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025.

So far, Keneikhriezo has been fortunate not to suffer any major injuries, and he continues to push forward with full energy and focus.

With eyes set on the future, the young athlete says, “One of my biggest dreams is to play for Team India one day.” His determination and talent show that he is well on his way to turning that dream into reality.

MT