CAPF U-19 Football Talent hunt Tournament inaugurated at Jotsoma

Dimapur, April 29 (EMN): Curtain raiser for U-19 CAPF Assam Rifles football tournament was conducted with much fanfare under the aegis of Headquarters IGAR (North) at Jotsoma Auditorium, Jotsoma on Saturday, April 29.
The event was graced by Chotisuh Sazo, Minister, PHED as chief guest and Pankaj Kumar, Chief Secretary as guest of honour along with other civil dignitaries and President, Nagaland Football Association.
Speaking on the occasion, Sazo exhorted all young participants to use this platform to showcase their skills and talents and play the game with a lot of heart and sportsman spirit. He also said that football builds and fosters friendship and young players should seize this opportunity to build long term relations and friendship.
Guest of honour, Pankaj Kumar, Chief Secretary also highlighted the contribution of Dr T AO, the first football captain of India whereas Sazo asked young players to take Dr T AO’s contribution as a challenge to realise their Olympics dream. Imlibenla Wati, Miss Asia Pacific and social activist and Mughato Sumi, renowned footballer of Nagaland also graced the occasion as the Brand Ambassador of the Tournament.
The event was marked with unveiling of the glittering trophies for winners and runners up. It was followed by songs and fusion dance. Mascot ‘Gabru’ also was the centre of attraction along with the impressive trophies. Young players attired in colourful Jerseys raised the adrenalin with their loud cheer truly expressing the word Oorja, which means energy.
The Oorja CAPF tournament is an initiative inspired by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Msn XI million to encourage children to play the popular game of football. Oorja CAPF talent hunt program is being organised in NE under the aegis of Assam Rifles which is being conducted in girls and boys category separately.
The U-19 football tournament kicks off on May 1 at Kohima local ground which will be declared open in the presence of the brand ambassador, other civil dignitaries, officials of Nagaland Football Association and Assam Rifles personnel. League matches will be played from May 1 to 4 whereas semi-finals are scheduled on May 6 and final on May 8. Matches will be played at Kohima local ground and IG stadium.