The Kohima District Basketball Association (KDBA) on Wednesday held a solemn candlelight vigil at the D. Khel Basketball Court in memory of a 22-year-old woman athlete, whose tragic death has shocked the sporting fraternity and the wider community in Nagaland. Her body was found below her residence at Old Ministers Hill in Kohima on October 25, 2025, in what authorities suspect to be a case of murder. The late athlete was a promising basketball player who had represented Nagaland with distinction. She won gold at the Nagaland Olympics 2022 and also competed for the state in the Under-23 National Basketball Championship earlier this year, earning admiration for her skill and dedication.
Addressing the gathering, KDBA president Khrielasakuo Keretsü expressed deep grief and anger over the loss, describing her as more than just a player. “She did not just play the game; she was the heart of the game. A tragic act of violence stole a bright light from our world,” he said. Keretsü condemned the brutal incident and urged law-enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the culprits face the strictest punishment. “We strongly condemn this inhumane act,” he said, pledging that the association would continue fighting against “the darkness that took her life.”
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, Lawrence Solo extended gratitude to the community for their support during this painful time. Emotional messages of condolence from the Nagaland Basketball Association and Kohima District Cricket Association were read, with both organisations urging the authorities and the SIT to expedite the probe and bring the perpetrators to justice with transparency and urgency.
