Late Capt. N Kenguruse, MVC Memorial Football Tournament from November 1

KOHIMA — The 7th edition of the Late Captain N Kenguruse, MVC Memorial Football Tournament, with the motto ‘pride, passion, and perseverance’, will be organised from November 1 to 9 at the IG Stadium in Kohima by the Assam Rifles and the Indian Army.

This was announced at the tournament poster release ceremony on Saturday at Kohima Science College at Jotsoma to kick off the publicity campaign for the nine-day competition.

The poster campaign ceremony was chosen to be held at Kohima Science College since it was the alma mater of Captain N Kenguruse, the Kargil martyr from Nagaland.

The tournament’s goal is to ensure that the name of this brave son of the soil lives on forever in the memory of the younger generation, as well as to provide a platform for football teams from all over Nagaland to compete and emerge as the ‘best among equals’.

The tournament, for which INR 4,25,000 has been set aside, provides a platform for football teams from all districts of Nagaland to showcase their talent.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Major General Vikas Lakhera, the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North), reminisced about the historic achievements of Dr. T Ao, a proud son of Nagaland, who led the Indian football team in the 1948 London Olympics.

However, Lakhera acknowledged the current disparity, expressing that Nagaland hasn’t been able to produce standout footballers akin to their counterparts from neighbouring states like Mizoram and Manipur. This disparity, he underscored, stems from the inadequacy of sports infrastructure in Nagaland.

Nonetheless, Lakhera remained hopeful, envisioning a future where Nagaland’s footballers would represent the nation, given their immense talent in the sport.

He also aspired that through the upcoming competition, footballers would imbibe the values of true sportsmanship and respect for their opponents.

While acknowledging Nagaland’s rising prominence in various domains, Lakhera extended his wishes for the budding footballers to transcend regional recognition and achieve greatness on a national stage.

He also paid tribute to the bravery of Captain Kenguruse, a recipient of the prestigious Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation during ‘Operation Vijay’ in 1999.

He underscored the essence of soldiering, emphasising its role in protecting and doing what is right.

Highlighting the notable achievement of Kohima Science College in producing courageous Indian Army officers, he encouraged the youth to draw inspiration from the likes of Kenguruse, noting that nothing is beyond their reach.

Lakhera conveyed his best wishes for the success of the upcoming tournament.

Speaking at the event, NeingutoulieKenguruse expressed gratitude to the Indian army and the Assam Rifles for upholding the memory of his elder brother, Captain Kenguruse, for the past 24 years.

He commended their efforts in organising various activities that have brought together youths from diverse tribes, promoting unity and understanding, and bridging the gap between the military and civil societies.

He fondly remembered his brother as a God-fearing, hardworking, respectful individual who held elders, parents, and teachers in high regard.

He also emphasised Captain Kenguruse’s unwavering loyalty to his friends and the rigorous army training that moulded him into an ‘extraordinary individual’.

Neingutoulie wished for the upcoming tournament to be a joyful and memorable event, echoing the qualities of his late brother to the youth.

Dr. Temjenwabang, principal of Kohima Science College, shared the proud story of Captain Kenguruse, a 1995 graduate who went on to complete army training as a lieutenant before serving in the Kargil War in 1999.

Captain Ritu provided a comprehensive explanation of the tournament’s motto and logo, while Colonel Rohit Jakhar, the commandant of the 45th Assam Rifles, delivered the closing remarks.

The tournament was started in 2015 under Operation Sadhbhawana.

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