Chapter 9: Hekko
Chapter Introduction
“Hekko” is a traditional game from Nagaland. The word ‘Hek’ means to challenge and ‘Ko’ means tiger. So, “Hekko” means “Challenging the Tiger.” The game is connected to a folk story about humans (Aami) and a tiger (Aakho) who once argued about who was superior.
Today, Hekko is played as a team sport in the Mokokchung district of Nagaland. It is a game of strength, teamwork, and strategy. The strongest and fastest players are recognised and honoured. The chapter helps us learn about culture, traditional games, and the importance of fair competition.
Detailed Notes (Explanation)
Long ago, there was a folk story in Nagaland. It said that humans and animals once lived together. They had a disagreement about who was superior. The humans challenged the tiger, and this challenge was called Hekko.
Today, Hekko is played as a team game. There are two teams:
Aami (The Humans)
Aakho (The Tiger)
Each team has 11 players. Before the game begins, a toss decides which team will be Aami and which will be Aakho.
To play the game, a circle is drawn on the ground. The Aami team stands inside the circle and forms a human chain by holding hands. The Aakho team stands outside the circle.
Two players from the Aakho team enter the circle. Their aim is to push the Aami players out of the circle. If an Aami player is pushed out, he is out of the game.
The Aami team tries to catch the Aakho players by surrounding them. If an Aakho player is caught, he must say “Joko” (which means surrender). Only then is he released.
Whenever a team gets a player of the opposite team out, they earn points.
The game ends in three ways:
All Aakho players are caught.
All Aami players are pushed out.
The time runs out.
The team with the maximum points wins the game.
At the end:
The fastest player of Aami gets the title “Khozuba”.
The strongest player of Aakho gets the title “Khotiba”.
Message of the Chapter:
Traditional games are an important part of culture.
Teamwork and strength help in winning games.
Fair play and respect are important in sports.
Games help identify talent and build confidence.
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Declared | Announced something clearly |
| Superiority | Being better or stronger than others |
| Disagreement | A difference of opinion |
| Surrender | To give up |
| Boundary | The limit or edge of an area |
| Identified | Recognised |
Question & Answers
1. What does the word ‘Hekko’ mean?
The word ‘Hekko’ means “Challenging the Tiger.”2. Which state is Hekko played in?
Hekko is played in Nagaland.3. What are the two teams called?
The two teams are called Aami (Humans) and Aakho (Tiger).4. How many players are there in each team?
There are 11 players in each team.5. What does the Aami team do inside the circle?
The Aami team stays inside the circle and forms a human chain to protect themselves.6. What does the Aakho team try to do?
The Aakho team tries to push Aami players out of the circle.7. What happens when an Aakho player is caught?
He is not released until he says “Joko,” which means surrender.8. How does a team earn points?
A team earns points when they get a player from the opposite team out.9. When does the game of Hekko end?
The game ends when all players of one team are out or when the time runs out.10. Who gets the title ‘Khozuba’?
The fastest player of the Aami team gets the title ‘Khozuba’.11. Who gets the title ‘Khotiba’?
The strongest player of the Aakho team gets the title ‘Khotiba’.12. What lesson do we learn from this chapter?
We learn the importance of teamwork, strength, discipline, and respecting traditional games.13. Why is the toss important before the game?
The toss decides which team will be Aami and which will be Aakho.14. What is the main idea of the folk story connected to Hekko?
The main idea is about a challenge between humans and the tiger about superiority.15. Why are traditional games important?
Traditional games preserve culture, build physical strength, and teach teamwork.