2nd Zeme Olympics 2024 kicks off at Zenamyi
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, December 12 2024:
The 2nd Zeme Olympics 2024 kicked off on Thursday at Zenamyi, Bendramai, hosted by the surrounding villages.
Organised by the Zeme Olympics Association, the event is held under the theme "United to Inspire and Build a Future Together" .
The opening ceremony was attended by N Kayisii, MLA 49-Tadubi AC and president NPP, Manipur State; Mamoni Doley, deputy commissioner Senapati district; and Hiazu Meru, deputy commissioner Peren district, Nagaland, as special guests.
The week-long event will see participation from 64 contingents (villages and towns of Zeme) representing the states of Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam.
In his address, the chief host emphasised the importance of fostering unity through sports, despite the division of the Zeme community by political boundaries across these states.
Jeremiah Pame, president Zeme Olympics Association and assistant professor at Delhi University, delivered the presidential address, highlighting the role of sports in promoting the holistic development of youth, while underscoring the significance of education in shaping the future of young people.
Special guest Mamoni Doley, deputy commissioner Senapati, urged the youth to maintain sportsmanship throughout the games, while also emphasising the importance of academics.
She offered her full support to ensure the success of the event and formally hoisted the official flag.
Hiazu Meru, deputy commissioner Peren District, spoke about the significance of the Zeme Olympics in fostering unity and cultural connection among the Zeme people from various states.
He also stressed the need for improved road connectivity to enhance cultural exchange, economic activity, and overall community welfare.
The special guests declared the opening of the Zeme Olympics, which will feature several highlights, including a traditional fire making competition and a grand cultural dance performance by the Bakie Village Council.
The event will continue until December 18, with various competitions such as football, volleyball (men's and women's), individual events like high jump, long jump, 100-metre race, relay race, and traditional games such as the stilt bamboo race, shot put, and tug of war.