2nd Mokokchung inter -ward football tournament from March 9

Mokokchung, Feb. 9 (EMN): The second edition of the Mokokchung inter-ward football tournament organised by Marepkong Youth Association under the theme “Towards Excellence” is scheduled to commence from March 9th to the 20th at Imkongmeren Sports complex, Mokokchung.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Bendangnukshi Jamir, convenor, organising committee informed that the second edition of the tourney was supposed to be held last year in the month of March but unfortunately, it was cancelled due to the pandemic.

“This year too we have decided to host the second edition of the tournament and preparations are underway. The inter-ward football tournament is the second biggest tournament after MDFA Trophy. Last year 15 teams participated and we are expecting that all 18 wards in Mokokchung will participate this year,” said the convenor.

With an aim to promote local talent, the tournament is exclusively open to young talents who are permanent residents of Mokokchung. The tournament carries a cash prize of fifty thousand for the champion and thirty thousand for the runner up with trophy and certificates. The tournament also has individual prizes which includes highest goal scorer, best defender, best goalkeeper and player of the tournament.

The tournament will be held with strict adherence to the latest Covid-19 SOP laid down by the state government. “As a way to encourage the participating teams, we have decided to share the revenue generated from ticket selling with the participating teams”, the convenor added.

The Marepkong Youth Association officials also informed that the association will organise a coaching clinic for all teams after the tournament where two individuals from each of the participating teams can participate. The aspiring footballers will be coached by Nagaland Coaches Association team.

Free forms will be issued from February 12 at Cyber 48, MMC Shopping complex and there will be a registration fee of INR 3000 for new entrants. The last date of submission of forms will be February 28.