Staff Reporter
Dimapur, April 1 (EMN): Flamingos Football Club (FFC) drubbed New Jalukie Youth (NJY) 3-1 to clinch the 12th Open Football Tournament, organised by Jalukie Valley Youth Organisation (JVYO) in the final match which was played today at Jalukie ‘B’ village ground.
Despite bad condition of the football field, which was virtually inundated by water following heavy downpour the previous night, both teams competed in true sportsmanship spirit to the delight of the spectators. Two yellow cards were awarded to two players from both teams for fault play.
Flamingos came back strongly by netting three goals after the first half of the match. New Jalukie Youth were rendered helpless in the face of formidable Flamingos who maintained consistency of stamina till the final minute.
In the semi- finals, New Jalukie Youth defeated Mhainamtsi Youth by 2-1, while the Flamingos FC beat Jalukie B Youth 5-0. It may be mentioned here that 12 teams from 18 villages and one town under JYVO participated in the tournament.
Guest of honour and Parliamentary Secretary of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, S Chuba Longkumer, stressed on the importance of games and sports which is to promote unity. He said the motive of unity should be to promote excellence in sports, unity to promote peace, unity to promote quality education, unity to promote tolerance, unity to promote culture etc.
He urged not to compartmentalise unity into tribes, sub-tribes and clans saying ‘we have much bigger tribes or groups to face around us.’
On the occasion, S Chuba recounted the words of late Nelson Mandela who once said, ‘Sport has the power to change the world, the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else can. Sports can create hope.... it is an instrument for peace.’
Chuba Longkumer also said sports teach us how to demonstrate respect for teammates and opponents. He said it helps us learn how to win with humility and lose with grace.
Stating that sports has no religion, caste, tribe and race, Longkumer said it is a potential force to unite people, promote peace and advocate developments. On the occasion, he urged the participants to take up sports seriously and display talents to the highest level and avail all the opportunities and privileges provided by the sports authorities.
In conclusion, Longkumer remarked ‘Winning is fortune but to participate is noble.’ He wished all the players to excel in live through sports.
Masangam, press secretary to TR Zeliang and prominent leader of Jalukie B village, accompanied the guest of honour during the programme.
