MLA Eyes Global Stage for Naga Sepaktakraw Players

Kohima: Nagaland youth can reach the international stage through Sepaktakraw. MLA Achumbemo Kikon delivered this message Tuesday at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima. He opened the two-day Catch Them Young U-14 Sepaktakraw Championship for boys and girls. Kikon serves as the advisor for SCERT and Food Processing.

Sepaktakraw pits two teams of three players against each other over a net. Players cannot use their hands. They rely on feet, legs, head, and body to clear the ball within three touches. Kikon noted that Naga athletes already compete in the Asian Games. He sees a clear path for them to win medals for India.

Discipline matters. Kikon told the young athletes to keep their cool on the court. "If you get angry in the midst of a match, you will lose your focus," he said. He reminded them that winning is the goal, but sportsmanship remains a requirement. He also pushed the youngsters to treat sports as a viable profession to earn a living.

The Department of Youth Resources and Sports organized the event alongside the All Nagaland Private Schools Association. The tournament features 27 teams from schools across the state. Action continues through Wednesday.