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KOHIMA— The Grassroot Football Tournament (GFT) for Under-10, Under-13 and Under-15 categories began at Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS) Kohima, on Wednesday.
The sporting event is organised by the Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) under the aegis of Nagaland Football Association (NFA).
Addressing the inaugural event, Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose lauded the organisers for coming up with the event, saying it is important to hone the skills of players when they were young.
He opined that KDFA has taken the right step towards building the players from the grassroots level, adding that it is the only way to truly help improve the players.
He also encouraged the young players to give their best and maintain sportsmanship.
Earlier in the programme, KDFA president, M Matthew Yhome said that the event will culminate on June 23 coinciding with the AIFF Grassroots Day.
Sponsors for the tournament include: cash prize for U-10 by Kohima Hotel and Restaurant Union; U-13 by Gem Paint Station Merhülietsa Kohima; U-15 by Fish Dealers Kohima; tournament trophies by Global Sports Kohima; and tournament balls by Sports Paradise Kohima.
A total of 30 teams -- 15 teams for U-15 (7 a-side), 11 teams for U-13 (5 a-side) and four teams for U-10 (5 aside mix-gender) -- have registered for the tournament which will be played in three categories.
Khelo India Center (KIC) IGS Kohima took the title for U-10 category in the tournament by beating Children's Home via tie breaker in the final match.
In U-13 category, Sechu Zubza FC beat Ignite FC Kohima 6-2 in the first semi final match and Khelo India Centre, Greenwood School Dimapur defeated New Market FC 6-0 in the second semifinal match.
In the final match on June 23, Sechu Zubza FC will take on KIC Greenwood School Dimapur for the championship title in U-13 category.
The U-15 categories matches will begin on the second day of the tournament.