SENAPATI: The Mao Students’ Union Sports Meet, which began on December 27, concluded on Wednesday, with a grand valedictory programme held at Asufii Christian Football Academy, Punanamei celebrating sportsmanship, unity, and discipline among youth and student bodies.
The programme was compered by Chapeji Chalai, while the introductory address and presentation were delivered by Joseph Adani, Member, COC.
Honoured Guest, Mohd Zaib Zakir, Superintendent of Police, Senapati congratulated the organisers for conducting the event in a spirit of resilience, hope, courage, and brotherhood. He emphasised that true integrity and dignity are reflected when players shake hands with both teammates and opponents, showcasing respect beyond competition.
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Zakir noted that sports play a crucial role in building peace, relationships, and social bonds among different communities and villages. Stressing the importance of discipline, he remarked that “every man is addicted to something, but a real man is addicted to discipline,” adding that discipline, such as waking up early and committing to training, requires no external motivation. He encouraged the youth to learn self-control, discipline, and brotherhood through sports, stating that events like these strengthen social harmony.
Among the dignitaries present were Shivin, IPS (2023 batch); Pfilo Sara, president, Chakhesang Students’ Union; Marikho O Lerina, speaker, NS, among others.
The football final match was followed by the award ceremony, conducted by Hrilyio Kape, member, COC, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Shriiyio, member secretary, COC.
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The sports meet featured a wide range of events, including individual games such as badminton (singles and doubles), table tennis (singles and doubles) and wrestling, as well as group games like basketball, volleyball, and football.
In the awards segment, the Best Discipline Unit title was won by Song Song Youth and Students’ Union.
In men’s football, Tobumai emerged as champions, with Punanamei as runners-up.
Men’s volleyball was won by Abo Rikee Students’ Union, while Mao Students’ Union, Kohima, clinched the men’s basketball title.
In the women’s category, Kalinamei Youth and Students’ Organisation won the women’s basketball championship, and Makhrai Rabu Youth and Students’ Organisation secured the women’s volleyball title.
This year, MSU introduced wrestling as a new event. In the above 75 kg category, M Hriizio of Punanamei Unit claimed first place, while Besii Zhipuhrii of Kaibi Unit won the below 75 kg category. Several individual game awards were also presented.
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The event concluded with a vote of thanks by S Hriiyio, general secretary of COC, followed by a benediction by Chohri Athili, assistant catechist, St Mary’s Parish, Punanamei.
A large number of spectators turned up to witness the matches, and the sports meet concluded on a high note with great enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and community spirit.