Neikesolie Richard Sekhose emerged as champion of the two-day 8th Atou Nagaland open snooker championship on Sunday.

Menuokholie Kire deputy director higher education addressing the gathering as guest of honour at Atou pool house Kohima said sports has become an integral part of one’s life. He acknowledged late Atou’s family for organizing the snooker championship to provide an opportunity for snooker lovers to explore their hidden talent.

Encouraging the players, he said sports can be taken as a career option, but lamented the fact that many Nagas “lack professionalism”.

He further advised the snooker players to aim higher with more determination.
On the other side, while encouraging the losers, he said all cannot be winners but said participation was equally important.

It may be mentioned that late Atou’s birthday falls on August 5 and the open snooker championship final match is played on this day every year.

The closing ceremony was led by Atono, special song by Neino and Keren and vote of thanks by Anisha. Later, prizes were given away by the chief guest to all the winners.

Neikesolie walked home with cash prize of Rs. 15,000, trophy and citation.
Dziese Khruomo bagged the second prize and received cash award of Rs. 10,000, trophy and citation, while the third prize was bagged by John Calvin and got Rs. 7,000 and Mathew Pienyü won fourth prize with Rs. 4,000, trophy and citation.

Mathew, who scored the highest break point 53, was awarded a sum of Rs. 3,000.
The snooker championship was sponsored by parents and family members of late Ketoulhou (Atou) Keditsu.