Nagaland: The 5th Bishop Abraham Memorial Tournament culminated in a vibrant display of faith, energy, and camaraderie at St. Joseph’s (Autonomous) College, Jakhama, uniting Catholic youth from across Nagaland in a three-day celebration of sports and community. Organised by the Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) and hosted by the Southern Angami Catholic Union (SACU), the tournament featured volleyball and tug-of-war competitions for both men and women, reflecting teamwork, perseverance, and unity among participants.
The event was graced by distinguished guests who underscored the deeper purpose of sports. Col. Satya Narain of the 44 Mountain Brigade, the Guest of Honour, encouraged young athletes to value participation and perseverance over winning, sharing his personal journey as a volleyball enthusiast whose career was curtailed by injury. Highlighting sports as a platform for growth and learning, he inspired participants to embrace challenges with resilience.
Special Guest Dr. John Seyiekhrietuo, State Nodal Officer of AYUSH and President of the Angami Catholic Union (ACU), urged youth to channel their energy into entrepreneurship in the face of rising unemployment in Nagaland. He emphasized that qualities such as resilience, teamwork, and mental strength nurtured on the sports field are vital for success in life beyond athletics.
Auxiliary Bishop Jose Puthenveetil of Faridabad expressed delight at witnessing Catholic youth from “every nook and corner” of Nagaland come together, noting that the tournament was a living testament to faith-driven camaraderie and shared values.
On the competitive front, St. John Evangelist Church, Khonoma claimed the men’s volleyball championship, with St. Paul Church, Phesama finishing second. In the women’s category, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Lazami triumphed over St. Francis de Sales, Tening. The tug-of-war saw St. Xavier Parish, Kidima secure first place, followed by St. John the Evangelist Parish, Khonoma and St. Joseph’s Parish, Tseminyu.
Individual excellence was also celebrated. Among women, St. Joseph’s Centre, Songlhuh received Best Discipline; Mhiesimenuo Margaret of St. John Evangelist, Khonoma was named Best Player; Niuli Helena of St. Francis of Assisi, Lazami won Best Spiker; and Livitoli Agnes of the same parish earned Best Setter. In the men’s category, Christ the King Centre, Phuvkiu received Best Discipline; Mhiesilieto Edmund of Khonoma was awarded Best Player; Kekhrieselie Kevin of Phesama won Best Spiker; and Mezhüse Martin of Khonoma was named Best Setter.
The tournament commenced with a prayer song led by NCYM executives, followed by a welcome address from Sr. Mariyam Chothe, Lady Animator of NCYM, and a musical performance by Helena Swu. The closing ceremony featured the lowering of the NCYM flag, a vote of thanks by General Secretary Veronica Nriame, and a closing prayer offered by Fr. Peter Solo, Dean of Science at St. Joseph’s College (A). The programme was skillfully moderated by Paul Magh and Neikheno Irine, bringing the tournament to a joyous and reflective conclusion.
The Bishop Abraham Memorial Tournament has once again proven to be more than a sporting event; it is a celebration of faith, unity, and the indomitable spirit of Nagaland’s Catholic youth, fostering lifelong friendships and inspiring participants to embody teamwork, discipline, and hope both on and off the field.