The Northern Angami region in Nagaland began 2024 with multiple community events, highlighted by a youth revival conference and at least three sports meets.
The 34th annual sports meet of the Northern Angami Youth and Sports Association (NAYSA-C) began on January 22 at Meriema village, with 12 villages and nine teams participating. Chief Guest Ruokuotuolie Mere, Vice President of the NDPP Kohima Region, emphasised good sportsmanship and highlighted women’s contributions to Northeast sports. He specifically addressed the need for developing professional referees and coaches in Nagaland. The opening ceremony, hosted by Aneizo Keditsu and Medolenuo Ambrosia Loucü, began with an invocation blessing from Rev. Keduolhoulie Shüya. The event featured entertainment by Vilavor Loucii and an oath-taking ceremony conducted by Luoselie Phewhuo.
A day earlier, the Northern Angami Youth & Sports Association Group-D launched its 33rd meet at Botsa & Tsiemekhuma Basa Ground. Transport Advisor Temjenmenba highlighted sports’ role in community unity and growing investor interest in Nagaland. NAYSA-D general secretary Kezhangulie Kire led the programme, which included launching tracksuits and jerseys for the 2025 NAYSA-D Meet.
The 85th annual sports meet of the Kigwema Youth Organization (KYO) concluded on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Kholera, Kigwema Ground. The three-day event featured football, volleyball, sepaktakraw, and tug of war competitions. Merama Khel dominated men’s events, securing victories in football against Kipho-Seca Khel, volleyball, and sepaktakraw. Makhuma Khel triumphed in women’s football, sepaktakraw, and tug of war, while Khamima Khel claimed the women’s volleyball title. The Kohima District Football Referee Association and Volleyball Association officiated the matches.
At the KYO closing ceremony, Southern Angami Sports Association president Dr. Vimezo Kere urged youth to pursue excellence beyond village-level competitions, emphasising Kigwema’s legacy and youth leadership in sports, academics, and character building. ASA president Ruokuovikho Chale and SAYO president Zasitsolie Beio served as special guest and match patron respectively.
Earlier in the month, from January 10-12, the Northern Angami Christian Revival Youth Fellowship (NACRYF) held its triennial 34th conference at Christian Revival Church, Meriema’s new ground. The event, broadcast live by Vi Tect company, centered on themes from the Book of Zechariah. Drawing 591 delegates from 28 churches, the conference featured messages from Rev. Dr. Neikedozo Paphino, President of CRC International, Rev. Khrieo Mezhü of Rüsoma CRC, and other renowned speakers. Led by Ruokuovituo Pienyii, with Pastor Neilakuolie Huozha hosting the NACRYF Flag, the programme featured Zhapu Mere and Menguphrenuo Kelelie as cantor and pianist. The conference concluded with devotional services chaired by Pelevotuo Solo and Visakholie Rüpreo, featuring performances from eleven church choirs including CYE NCRC Gariphema and CYE CRC Gariphema Basa.
The Angamis, one of Nagaland’s major Naga tribes predominantly residing in and around Kohima district, embraced Christianity in the late 19th century through American Baptist missionaries. The tribe continues to maintain strong religious and cultural traditions through such community gatherings.
