23rd edition of Martyr’s Football Tournament begins in Wokha

WOKHA — The 23rd edition of the Martyr’s Football Tournament, organised by the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU), began on Tuesday at the local ground in Wokha town. The theme for this year is ‘Whistle against drugs’.

The inaugural programme was attended by M Daniel Lotha, Chairman of the Nagalim Civil Service Recruitment and Promotion Board (NCSRPB), NSCN/GPRN (IM), CHQ Hebron, as the special guest.

Daniel, while addressing the gathering, paid tribute to the sacrifices of Lt. Chumdamo Tungoe and Lt. Thungkhomo Ezung, in whose memory the tournament is organised.

He recounted a recent incident where a football tournament descended into violence and urged all participants and spectators to uphold the dignity of the event with discipline. Also, he called upon the players to demonstrate good sportsmanship, adhere to the rules and regulations, and accept the decisions made by the referees to prevent disorder and unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Speaking on the theme, he lamented that Wokha district is experiencing high drug usage, noting that these social evils are undermining the prospects of youths, the future generation of the community.

Later, he also declared the tournament open. Altogether, 16 teams are participating in the ongoing tournament.

The annual tournament is organised by LSU to honour the sacrifices of Lt. Chumdamo Tungoe and Lt. Thungkhomo Ezung, who were shot dead on April 14, 1977, during a silent protest organised by the Lotha Students Union (LSU) in Wokha.

In Tuesday’s matches, Hustler secured a 2-0 victory against Youngstar FC, while New Colony Youth Organisation triumphed with a 4-1 scoreline against Proper XI. Riphyim FC emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Vankhsoung Students’ Union, and Baghty Valley claimed a narrow 1-0 win against Vungoju Colony.