Forerunners organises indigenous games competition

DIMAPUR — As a prelude to the 25th Hornbill Festival, the Forerunner, in collaboration with the Tourism department, on Saturday organised indigenous games competition at the Agri Expo site in Chümoukedima.

Various individual games such as king chili eating competition, pork eating competition, bamboo stilt race, greased bamboo pole climbing and tug-of-war were played during the day.

In the greased bamboo pole climbing (13 feet) competition, P Pulei and Hurayi were declared winners and received cash prize of INR 5000 each.

In the king chili eating competition, Yilopemo secured the first prize by consuming 10 chilies, while Akai Sema won the second prize by consuming 10 chilies and Chochoh secured the third prize by consuming 8 chilies. The participants were given one minute time for the competition.

In pork eating competition, Yilopemo, Mughalu N Zhimomi and John Minj secured the first, second and third prize respectively out of the total 14 contestants. Participants were given five minutes to eat one kilogram of pork meat.

In bamboo stilt race, Meribemo Patton, Mughapu S Awomi, and Shedesü Thami Kezo won the first, second and third prizes respectively out of the total 17 contestants.

In all the three above individual competitions, cash prize of INR 10,000 was awarded to first winner, INR 7000 to the second winner and INR 5000 to the third winner.

In men’s tug-of-war (catch weight), Chakhesang Hoho Kohima (Nimok Power) walked home with a cash prize of INR 50,000 after defeating Chakhesang Youth Organisation Diphupar in the best of five final match. The runners-up team received cash prize of INR 30,000. A total of nine team participated in the tug-of-war contest.

It may be mentioned that there was no registration fee in any of the game. A medical team from the CMO Dimapur was also present at the ground.

During the inaugural session, the Phom cultural troupe performed a cultural dance, while a short speech was delivered by T Aochuba, director of Ntangki National Park, wherein he pointed out that the event marked not only the beginning of the festivities but a testament to the vibrant culture, traditions and unity of people.

He expressed hope that the prelude would inspire the people to honour their roots and preserve the rich legacy and share with the outside world.

MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu, who is also the convenor of the event, extended his appreciation for organising the event.

Also read: Chakhesang tribe retains state-level tug-of-war title