Ukhrul, Jan 15: The much-anticipated 35th Chakre Chovow Chithuni Football Tournament commenced with great fervor at the Okhro-Ikhro Ground, Mao Gate today. The tournament is organized by the Song Song Youth & Students’ Organisation (SSYSO) and sponsored by Striven Football Club. This year’s event holds special significance as it also marks the 25th anniversary of Striven Football Club.
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The opening ceremony commenced with a traditional blessing from Song Song village, followed by the hoisting of the flag and the blowing of traditional trumpets. This was succeeded by an invocation prayer led by Pastor K. Akha from the Mao Baptist Church in Okhro-Ikhro. The Okhro-Ikhro women captivated the audience with a melodious rendition of the traditional song, setting a celebratory tone for the event.
In his welcome address, Sani Yisoji, President of Song Song Youth and Students Organisation (SSYSO), extended heartfelt greetings to all present and encouraged the youth to embrace sports to maintain a healthy lifestyle and aim for greater achievements.
“Let’s not end sports at the Chiithuni football but rather aspire to reach international standards with discipline and style,” he remarked.
Speaking at the inaugural program, the Song Song Village Authority (SSVA) Chairman Salew Pfokrelo exhorted the gathering on humility and respect. He urged the youth to value their elders’ wisdom and seek their blessings. “Let us live humbly, respect one another, and thank God for His blessings. In whatever profession we are in, let’s remain humble and strive for excellence,” he said.
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In his keynote address, the Chief Guest, Wilson Kayina, OSD (Officer on Special Duty) to the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Minority Affairs, Govt. Of India, shared a motivational speech centered on leadership, unity, and sportsmanship. He highlighted the importance of sports in fostering discipline and tackling youth addiction.
On embracing kingship and responsibility, he urged everyone, as descendants of kings, to act with dignity, honor, and responsibly contributing to the betterment of future generations. Taking the example of eagles, he encouraged selflessness and urged the gathering to focus on uplifting one another to create a supportive and progressive community. He also stressed the importance of unity, sharing, and selflessness for building a stronger society.
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Further, the Chief Guest emphasized the need for discipline, humility, and respect in every profession and inspired the youth to stay active and excel in their fields.
“I still run, play badminton, and football. The youth can do it too, and they should,” he said.
The opening ceremony concluded with the oath-taking led by Mr Adahrii Pfoze, the Games and Sports Secretary, SSYSO instilling a spirit of sportsmanship and discipline among the participants. The tournament will continue until January 18th, celebrating sportsmanship, unity, and cultural pride. With the generous support of Striven Football Club, the tournament promises to leave a lasting legacy for the community.
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