Atoizu Sports Meet 2026 concludes with calls for unity

Dimapur, October 23 (MExN): The two-day Atoizu Sports Meet 2026, organised by the Kulolau Atoizumi Küqhakulu (KAK) under the theme "Bound by Roots: United in Play," concluded successfully, bringing together participating villages and communities to celebrate sportsmanship, fellowship, and unity. Gracing the volleyball inaugural function as the Special Guest, Er Kahuli Sema, Independent Director of Engineers India Limited (EIL), expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen unity and praised KAK for being a torchbearer for unity. Mhabeni Aketo Chophi, a government-registered Class-I contractor, graced the football inaugural function as the Special Guest, encouraging youth to pursue sports with dedication, discipline, and perseverance as a viable career path. The badminton event was inaugurated by Mghato Achumi, Secretary of the Nagaland Khadi and Village Industries Board (NKVIB), while the futsal event was inaugurated by Khekishe Aye, GB of New Market and Proprietor of AWSA Security. The grand closing and prize distribution ceremony was graced by Er Picto Shohe, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Advisor for New and Renewable Energy, who urged youth to participate in sports for both achievement and good health. The meet featured competitions across four disciplines: football, volleyball, futsal, and badminton. Football: Coco emerged as champions, defeating runners-up Apukito. Nitoka Chophi (Apukito) received the Highest Scorer award, Vito Assumi (Coco) was adjudged Best Goalkeeper, and Pikupu Awomi (Coco) received the Best Player award. Men's Volleyball: Apukito clinched the championship, followed by Coco as runners-up. Rovito Yeptho (Coco) and Vikiho (Apukito) won the Best Spiker and Best Setter awards, respectively. Women's Volleyball: Emlo-To secured the championship title, with Coco finishing as runners-up. Avika Kiho and Bonitoli Aye (both of Emlo-To) received the Best Spiker and Best Setter awards. Futsal: Usutomi Village claimed the championship over runners-up Vekuhomi Village, with Lokobomi Village and Khrimtomi Village finishing as semi-finalists. Kini D. Chophi (Usutomi) was named Highest Scorer, and Tokuto Awomi (Usutomi) received the Best Goalkeeper award. Badminton: Bovi and Toka (Yesholuto) won the Men's Open Doubles title. In Men's Doubles 45+, Samuel and Ohito (Rotomi) secured victory, while Anito and Tokaho (Vekuho) claimed the Men's Doubles 55+ championship. In Women's Doubles, Toshikali and Livana (Rotomi) emerged as champions, and Totoka and Livana (Rotomi) won the Mixed Doubles title. Bovi Chishi (Yesholuto) was awarded the Discipline Player award. A major highlight of the closing ceremony was the conferring of the "Face of Atoizu Award" on 106-year-old Tsaika in recognition of his immense support and presence throughout the event. Additional community recognition awards included Vekuho for Best Cheerleading Unit, Yetovi Chishi (Naghuto) as Funniest Supporter, and Khrimtomi for Best Discipline.