Captain N Kenguruse memorial football tournament underway in Nagaland

KOHIMA — Phesama Youth Organisation and Kingsman FC Tsiesema registered wins in the opening matches of Captain N Kenguruse, MVC Memorial Football Tournament which got underway at Jakhama local ground on Monday.

Phesama Youth Organisation beat 21st Millenium FC 7-2 in the opening match, while Kingsman FC Tsiesema defeated Kigwema 4-1 in a penalty shootout after the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Organised by Red Shield Division in collaboration with Kigwema Students’ Union, the Captain N Kenguruse, MVC Memorial football tournament, which began on Monday, will culminate on February 23.

Addressing the gathering at the inaugural programme, Neiselie Kenguruse, father of late Capt. Kenguruse, thanked the organisers and participants for coming together in his son’s honour. He also acknowledged the soldiers and army for honouring his son for the past 25 years through various activities and initiatives.

More than the results of the tournament, the father said he’s happy to witness people coming together in the name of his late son.

In his address, OIC 5/9GR, Major Suraj Rana, said the main objective of the tournament is to commemorate the valour of the Naga warrior and to impart Captain N Kenguruse’s legacy to the future generations.

Recalling Captain N Kenguruse, who was posthumously awarded ‘Maha Vir Chakra’, he said the captain demonstrated remarkable gallantry and bravery during the Kargil War in 1999.

The event serves as an opportunity to pay homage to the brave Naga soldier and foster stronger bonds through sports, he said while urging the participants to recognise both the individual strength and collective efforts.

Earlier in the programme, the family members of Captain N Kenguruse along with army officers lighted the lamp.

A total of 11 teams are participating in the tournament.

The champion will be awarded with a cash prize of INR 1 lakh, while first runners-up will receive INR 75,000 and the second runners-up INR 50,000.