Delhi, March 16: The exhilarating four-day sporting extravaganza of the 57th Annual sports meet of the Naga Students’ Union Delhi culminated on March 16, 2024, under the theme “Beyond Boundaries: Embracing Diversity through Sports,” marking a memorable end to the event filled with camaraderie and fierce competition.
The final day featured thrilling matches across various sports disciplines, including Football, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Volleyball, Men’s Volleyball, Women’s Penalty, and Tug of War, showcasing the talent and competitive spirit of the participants from diverse backgrounds. The event witnessed an impressive turnout of approximately 1000 attendees representing various tribes.
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The closing ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Guest of Honor Sapu Battacharya, Director of NEC Energy Pvt. Ltd., and Hibu Tamang, IPS, Joint CP Security, along with special invitees Anuj Gupta, President of DSA/Delhi Soccer Association cum Co-founder of Sudeva Football Academy, and Amit Das, Founder and CEO of Electric One. Member of Lok Sabha Lorho S. Pfoze also joined the event to show his support.
Speaking at the event, the President of NSUD Yaorei Horam celebrated the day’s athletic achievements while emphasizing the unity and resilience displayed by each athlete. Quoting Jesse Owens, the President remarked, “The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals,” stating that despite challenges, the journey has only strengthened their resolve. Yaorei Horam emphasized NSUD’s role beyond sports, supporting academic excellence and cultural enrichment for the Naga community. Concluding with a powerful quote from Nelson Mandela, he said, “Sport has the power to change the world,” urging ongoing commitment to inclusivity and unity, while encouraging all to pursue excellence with integrity and perseverance.
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Enhancing the atmosphere, the ceremony showcased enchanting musical performances by Tokhuli Yepthomi, who delivered a captivating cover of “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, and Joanna Jamang, whose soulful rendition of “Follow Your Arrow” by Kacey Musgraves mesmerized the audience with their soul-stirring melodies.
In his address, the Guest of Honor, Eno Sapu Battacharyya, Director of NEC Energy Pvt. Ltd. emphasized the importance of unity, highlighting the shared identity of being from the Northeast region. He urged everyone to transcend regional boundaries and foster a sense of solidarity.
Following the ceremony, the spotlight shifted to the football pitch, where an intense final match unfolded between Chathe (Tangkhul and Chiru) and Lizai (Zeliangrong and Tarao) teams. In a remarkable display of skill and determination, the Chathe team emerged victorious with a resounding 5-2 triumph.
Captains from the winning teams shared their joy and reflections on their hard-earned victories. Viketounuo Linyu, co-captain of the women’s basketball team Hornbill, expressed satisfaction with their team’s performance, attributing their success to rigorous practice and camaraderie. “Eight of us on the team are close friends who also competed in the 2022 NSUD annual sports, where we finished as runners-up. Our hard work in practice really paid off, The match against the Chathe Team was intense, but we enjoyed every moment of the competition,” shared Viketounuo Linyu, co-captain of the Hornbill team.
Similarly, Vitono Katty, captain of the men’s basketball team Barak, commended his team’s dedication and teamwork, underscoring their well-deserved victory after a month of rigorous training.
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The NSUD’s meticulously organized sports meet once again proved to be a resounding success, fostering unity among Naga tribes and promoting sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and healthy competition. The event served as a vibrant celebration of diversity, bringing together individuals from all walks of life to showcase their athletic prowess and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship.
As the sun set on the final day, the closing ceremony reached its pinnacle with a prestigious trophy and award distribution ceremony. Amidst an atmosphere charged with anticipation and excitement, the winning teams and individual champions from diverse sports disciplines were honored, culminating in a momentous conclusion to the 57th NSUD Annual Sports Meet, participants and spectators alike departed with cherished memories and a renewed sense of community, inspired by the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie that transcended boundaries and brought people together in celebration.
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