Kudecho Khamo kick starts SASA’s 40th Sports meet 2025 at Sekriizu on January 13. (Morung Photo)

Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 13
The 40th Sports Meet 2025 of Sekrüzu Area Sports Association (SASA) in commemoration of its golden jubilee under the theme “For greater heights” commenced today at Sekrüzu town under Phek district.
Gracing the inaugural programme as the special guest, Nagaland CAWD & Taxes Advisor, Kudecho Khamo said that sport is no longer just a recreational activity but sports scenario has witnesses a sea of change and gaining tremendous popularity globally.
In this, he stressed on the need to take up sports with seriousness, adding that the era of associating with sports as recreational or mere physical activity is over. He maintained that the outstanding sports achievers not only get fame but richly rewarded and access of job opportunity.
He encouraged the younger generation to take up sports as a career, adding that those who maintain competitive spirit, self discipline and dedication will never go unrewarded.
Khamo made a special mention to the India’s first football captain and Olympian Dr T. Ao, another Olympian Chekrovolu Swuro and Hokato Hotozhe Sema, a bronze medalist at 2024 Paris Paralympics Games, for placing Nagaland into international sports map.
Khamo expressed happiness that Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio got affiliation to Indian Olympic Association (IOA), thereby facilitating positive sports ecosystem in the state.
Declaring that the state government is committed towards promotion of sports in the state, Khamo said that the government have been conferring State Sports Awards to those achievers at the regional, national and international level.
He also called upon the youth to be constructive in their approach and become an asset to the society.
Also stressing on the need to adopt new strategy to face various challenges ahead, he also called upon the youth to exercise honesty and have faith in God in all their dealings to succeed in life.
Further, Khamo prayed the sports platform to usher in unity and peace amongst the community.
Earlier, Khamo released the Jubilee Souvenir. Phek District Sports Association (PDSA) president Nezosa Tetseo and Centre Chakhesang Sports Association (CCSA) president Veposu Nienu also shared greetings while Küvesüh Veswüh, pastor New Rüzazho Baptist Church led act of jubilee blessings.
SASA president Müdotüzo Tetseo delivered presidential address while welcome address was delivered by Müdongoi Swüro, convenor Jubilee Organizing Committee. SASA games & sports secretary Kuvoto Shijoh administered oath to eight nine participating teams; Phühgi, Khütsa, Sekrüzu, Süthozu, Rüzazho, Süthozu Nasa, Thürütsüswü, Dzülha and New Rüzazho.
The players will vie for top honours in football, volleyball, basketball, Naga wrestling and track and field events.
Jubilee host Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Leader NPF Legislature Party could not made to the inaugural programme due to unavoidable circumstances. Former minister Zachilhü R Vadeo donated a cup and Rs. 2 lakh cash as running trophy for Men Football in co-inciding with SASA 1974- 2024 golden jubilee. Late Vesüra Swüro Memorial Cup along with Rs. 1 lakh cash as a running trophy for women football was sponsored by his son Besüpra Swüro in co-inciding with SASA 1974- 2024 golden jubilee.
The tournament will continue till January 18.