Chisholimi wins inaugural SABTF penalty shootout tournament

Pughoboto, October 19 (MExN): Chisholimi Baptist Church emerged champion of the first Sumi Aphuyemi Baptist Theological Fellowship (SABTF) Open Penalty Shootout Tournament organised by SABAK Pughoboto at Pughoboto Local Ground on October 17.Fearless FC, Kohima, secured the first runner-up position, while Awoto of Fearless FC received the Best Goalkeeper Award.Enoch S Wotsa, Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) councillor, inaugurated the tournament as the guest of honour. Addressing the gathering, he expressed joy and gratitude at the growth and progress of the Sumi Aphuyemi community across various fields.He highlighted the achievements of Aphuyemi youths in competitive examinations conducted by the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB), as well as in sports. He also cited Tolino’s success in securing a place in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), describing it as a source of pride and honour for the community.Wotsa said these achievements were the result of sustained efforts and initiatives undertaken over the years to nurture young people and develop their potential.He expressed gratitude to church ministries for consistently organising programmes that combine sports, fellowship and spiritual education. Such initiatives, he said, had helped identify and develop youth talent while instilling moral values, strengthening faith and cultivating God-fearing character.He added that the integrity, discipline, humility and good conduct demonstrated by Aphuyemi youths had earned them respect and brought honour to the community. He described this as a testament to the influence of the church and the importance of nurturing young people through spiritual guidance and meaningful activities.Wotsa said initiatives such as the tournament, which bring together sports and the word of God, were essential for the holistic development of the younger generation. He appreciated pastors, church leaders and others who had dedicated their time and efforts to the spiritual and social development of Aphuyemi youths.Addressing the participants and sports enthusiasts, he urged them not to view the event merely as a sporting occasion to entertain invited guests, but as an opportunity to seek God’s blessings and guidance for the younger generation, nurture their talents and help them achieve greater recognition.He called upon everyone to participate wholeheartedly and uphold the spirit of unity, sportsmanship and fellowship.Quoting Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, Wotsa said, “I trained for four years to run for nine seconds, and people give up when they don’t see results in two months.”