UKHRUL: A two-day community event, “Sports for Peace,” under the theme “United by Sport, Empowered by Knowledge, Bound by Peace,” was organised by the Naga Students’ Union Mumbai (NSUM) on 18th and 19th May 2026 at St. Dominic Savio Ground, Mumbai.
The event was graced by Hamyan Phom, Pastor, Naga Christian Fellowship, Mumbai; Britto Khangchian, singer-songwriter; and Kevai Thangal, Chief Manager, SBI Corporate Centre, who hoisted the flag and shared words of encouragement with the Naga community in Mumbai.
The event witnessed the participation of seven teams based on different locations: Kalina A, Kalina B, Khar, South Bombay, North Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai. The programme recorded the highest team participation and approximately 950 attendees on the final day. The South Bombay team emerged as the Overall Champions of the tournament, while Kalina B finished as the Runners-up. The Khar team won the Men’s Football title, and the Others
team secured the Men’s Volleyball championship. In Women’s Volleyball, South Bombay claimed the title. Rindhar Makung from the Navi Mumbai team was awarded the Men’s MVP, while Obangnenla Pongener from the South Bombay team received the Women’s MVP award.
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The “Sports for Peace” programme was supported by Supen Spa, Spice Tribe, Thotrin Cafe, Horshok (The Shinju Shop), FAC News, and R Bhardwaj Travels. Phungmichon Hunphun Awungshi, Vice President of NSUM, along with the Sports Committee members — Rhonjamo, Rinthem Mahung, Chirchomri Kumrah, and Pozii Paul — expressed that the event received overwhelming participation due to the collective longing for peace back home.
Alongside the sporting event, the Naga Students’ Union Mumbai also organised a “Solidarity Candlelight Prayer Program Against the Ongoing Conflict in Manipur.” The programme was attended by church leaders from NCF Mumbai, TBCM, and LRM, as well as students, working professionals, and non-Nagas. The programme was led by Wungpei Khamrang, with prayers offered by Rev. Dr. Ashang Luiram, Pastor of TBCM, and Rev. James Lana. Songs of peace were presented by TBCM Choir members and Likhumkyu E. Anar.
Addressing the gathering, Ramachan A. Shimray, President of the Naga Students’ Union Mumbai, stated that the gathering was organised not only for the Nagas but for everyone praying for peace in Manipur. He remarked that the ongoing conflict in Manipur since 3rd May 2023 has directly and indirectly affected the daily lives of the people of
Manipur, particularly the Naga, Meitei, and Kuki communities. He further shared that, despite the prolonged conflict, communities continue to hold onto the shared hope for peace in Manipur.
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Meyisenla Lemtur, General Secretary of NSUM, recited a poem titled “A Mother’s Tears,” which reflected on the suffering of innocent children, grieving parents, and families affected by violence. The poem conveyed a message that violence and hatred can never bring lasting peace. Messages were also shared by T.H. Mikho, Pastor of LRM, and Thohrii Gabriel, President of Mao Union Mumbai. Alum Raikhan, Vice President of the Tangkhul Welfare Society Mumbai, expressed concern over the suffering of ordinary people on all sides of the conflict. She highlighted the struggles faced by villagers living amidst violence, school children whose education has been disrupted, mother’s dependent on daily livelihoods, and families striving to survive during the ongoing crisis.
The “Sports for Peace and Candlelight Prayer” organised by the Naga Students’ Union Mumbai served not only as a platform for sports and fellowship, but also as a collective expression of solidarity, hope, and prayer for peace in Manipur. The programme reflected the strong sense of unity and community among the Naga people, bringing together students, working professionals, church leaders, and well-wishers from different backgrounds.
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