Passing Out Ceremony of Livingstone Foundation Volleyball Coaching Centre held

The first Passing Out Ceremony of the Livingstone Foundation Volleyball Coaching Centre was held at the Livingstone Foundation International auditorium on March 24, 2025.

The solemn event was graced by N. Vineikholie, District Sports Officer and District Youth Resources Officer, Dimapur, as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries present included Dr. Andrew Ahoto Sema, Chairman of Livingstone Foundation International, Mrs. Ani Yepthomi, Director of LFI, and Mr. Talinukshi Ao, Secretary of the Livingstone Foundation Volleyball Coaching Centre.

In his address to the graduating volleyball players, the Chief Guest urged them to maintain the highest standards of discipline while also paying attention to their daily habits, including diet. He motivated them by citing various government initiatives to promote sports, such as Catch Them Young and Khelo India, which have played a crucial role in grooming young and talented athletes from Nagaland and the North East. He expressed hope that the establishment of the Livingstone Foundation Volleyball Coaching Centre in Dimapur would not only enhance the skills of young volleyball players but also provide a disciplined environment to nurture them for national and international representation.

Notably, the Livingstone Foundation Volleyball Coaching Centre is an independent initiative of Livingstone Foundation International, operating without external aid. The institution has consistently emphasized holistic and well-rounded student development beyond academics. It is committed to revolutionizing holistic education by introducing professional coaching camps for other sports disciplines, including football, basketball, and traditional games like lagori.

Encouraging the gathering, Dr. Andrew Ahoto Sema, Chairman of Livingstone Foundation International and President of the Livingstone Volleyball Coaching Centre, expressed deep gratitude to the State Government, particularly the Department of Sports and Youth Resources, for their unwavering support in establishing the coaching centre. He highlighted the growing significance of sports in career development, citing how many athletes have received lucrative opportunities and government recognition for their talents. He urged the volleyball players to be assets to the nation, remain humble, and contribute to society. Echoing the Chief Guest’s sentiments, he emphasized that discipline gives athletes an extra edge over others.

Dr. Sema concluded by stating that not every individual is suited for traditional careers like medicine, law, or administrative services. Therefore, equal emphasis should be placed on establishing more sports coaching centres across the state, similar to those for academic and competitive exam preparation. Finally, he expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Yongkongtenzuk, Head Coach of the centre, for his dedicated and selfless efforts in grooming the players in record time and for his professional initiatives in elevating the centre’s reputation.

MT