PAOMATA, Dec 17: The Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me Paomata (PNTMP) 75th Platinum Jubilee cum 40th Sports Meet concluded today at Paomata Centre after days of vibrant sporting activities, cultural bonding and community celebration. The annual event commenced on December 8 and culminated on December 17 with enthusiastic participation from Poumai Naga Paomata villages across the region.
The valedictory programme was graced by Eno. Boveio Poukai Duo, Caretaker CAO, Shepoumaramth Region (GPRN) and former General Secretary of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), as the chief guest. In his address, he lauded the organisers for successfully hosting the historic jubilee edition of the sports meet and praised the players for upholding unity, discipline and sportsmanship, emphasising the role of sports in strengthening communal harmony.
The highlight of the closing day was the men’s football final between Tungjoy and defending champions Tunggam. After a thrilling and evenly contested match that ended in a draw at full time, the title was decided through a penalty shootout, where Tungjoy emerged victorious to lift the championship trophy. Tunggam finished as runners-up. Individual football honours went to H. Ava of Tunggam, who bagged both Best Player and Highest Scorer awards, while P. D. Bethreivei of Tungjoy was named Best Goalkeeper. P. Vikho of Tunggam was adjudged Emerging Player.
In volleyball, Tunggam Village clinched the Men’s Volleyball Championship, defeating Tungjoy Village, who settled for runners-up. Raiveikheo of Tungjoy was awarded Best Spiker, while P. Dziivaveio of Tunggam received the Best Player award. In the women’s category, Tunggam Team (A) successfully retained the title, with Tunggam Team (B) finishing as runners-up. P. Raine of Tunggam was named Best Spiker and H. Tsiimadoveirou of Tunggam was adjudged Best Player.
Basketball events also witnessed keen competition. In men’s basketball, Tunggam Village emerged champions, with Phuba Village finishing runners-up. Ak. Nyanii of Tunggam was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP). The women’s basketball title was claimed by Saranamai, while Liyai secured the runners-up position. Lenyane of Saranamai was awarded the MVP title.
The wrestling competitions showcased remarkable talent across all weight categories. In the below 20 years, under 60 kg category, Reikai of Tunggam Village emerged champion, followed by Seva of Saranamai Village. In the lightweight category (below 75 kg), Asheveidu of Tungjoy Village claimed the title, with A. Veiteilou of Tungjoy as runners-up. The heavyweight category (above 75 kg) was won by Veyveipu of Tungjoy Village, while H. Dow of Saranamai Village finished second.
Marathon events added further excitement to the sports meet. In the men’s marathon, Thaisii Gideon of Liyai secured first place, followed by Zhaizhovei of Liyai in second position. In the women’s marathon, S. Veine of Tunggam clinched first place, while Tsiimadoveirou of Tunggam finished second. Special recognition was also given to the youngest participants, with Masounii Khozii (12 years) of Tunggam being named the youngest male marathon runner and Doushene (17 years) of Tunggam the youngest female marathon runner. Several consolation prizes were also awarded in both marathon categories.
The closing ceremony also featured the presentation of various individual excellence awards, including Best Player, Best Spiker, MVP, Golden Boot, Golden Glove and Emerging Player, adding prestige to the occasion.
The PNTMP 75th Platinum Jubilee cum 40th Sports Meet concluded on a high note, reaffirming the spirit of unity, healthy competition and cultural bonding among the Poumai community, while marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s history.