Players in action during the volleyball tournament in Chessore on August 8.
Chessore, August 9 (MExN): The Catholic Youth Movement (CYM), Chessore, organised a two-day volleyball tournament from August 7 to 8 to celebrate the Metümnyo Festival under the theme “Celebrating Unity through Sports”.
Metümnyo, meaning “Soul Wrapping Feast”, is the biggest and most solemn festival of the Yimkhiung Naga tribe and is traditionally celebrated over five days following the millet harvest. The festival is a time of reconciliation, thanksgiving and renewal, when families welcome newborns, honour the departed and strengthen bonds of kinship.
Chessore, regarded as the oldest village of the Yimkhiung tribe, served as a historic and fitting host for the celebration.
The tournament began on August 7 with a brief inaugural programme and concluded on August 8 with a closing ceremony. Both programmes were attended by pastors and church leaders from various churches in Chessore.
Doki Allen, Pastor of Chessore Village Baptist Church; Samuel Avito, Catechist of Chessore Town Baptist Church; Wongji James, Catechist of St Augustine Church; and Thrimho, Deacon of CVBC, took part in the invocations and benedictions held during the two-day event.
Hikila Dorcas, President of CYMC, in her welcome address, welcomed the guests, participants and community members and expressed gratitude for their support and participation.
She said the tournament was organised to bring people together in the spirit of unity, fellowship and joyful celebration of Metümnyo.
Chief Guest Throngkiuba, Head GB of Chessore Village, thanked CYM Chessore for taking up the responsibility of organising an event that brought people together in joyful celebration.
He said that while there were many ways to celebrate a festival, coming together as one family of believers in such a manner was rare, and urged the community to preserve the spirit of togetherness.
He further said such gatherings strengthen bonds between neighbours and reflect the true meaning of festivals — not merely celebration, but unity, fellowship and a shared identity as a people.
R Ramji, Chairman of the GBs’ Court, Chessore Town, spoke about the various avenues available to young people to excel in life and stressed that dedication and discipline can lead to success in any field, including sports.
Citing the example of Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal, whose rise to the world stage at a young age was built on hard work and commitment, Ramji encouraged the youth of Chessore to pursue their goals with the same determination, both on the field and beyond.
On the second day, Guest of Honour Rev Fr David K Tithong, Principal of St Christopher School, Chessore, addressed the gathering and spoke about the importance of learning from the ways of the forefathers.
He said the forefathers observed Metümnyo not merely as a celebration, but as a time of reconciliation, gratitude for the harvest and renewal of community ties.
He encouraged the youth to carry forward these values of unity, forgiveness and respect for tradition even as they embrace new ways of celebrating their heritage, including through sports.
A total of 10 teams from Chessore village competed for the first, second and third prizes during the two-day tournament.
The event sought to combine the traditional values associated with Metümnyo with sports, youth participation and community fellowship, reinforcing the festival’s emphasis on unity and shared identity.
