Morning Premier League 2023 edition to kick-start from May 1

Dimapur, April 29 (EMN): The Morning Premier League (MPL) 2023 edition will begin on May 1 at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima, with 10 clubs vying for the coveted title.

The MPL will start at 6:40 am, while the bottom two clubs will be relegated at the end of the season.

Presented by G-Sports under the banner of Morning Football Association, a programme was held for the season and jersey launch, and team announcement at Symphony Cafe in Kohima with Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA as the special guest on Saturday.

Addressing the launching programme, Rhutso encouraged the players to set an example for the youngsters through their conduct and habits. He also suggested similar leagues be introduced in other districts as well.

While stating that the teams would have many leaders, he encouraged the players to use their influence to bring out good leaders in all the districts to witness a prosperous state, an update stated.

It may be mentioned that MPL is a unique one-of-a-kind league where matches are played only in the morning from 5:30 – 7:30. The purpose of this league is to create health consciousness, camaraderie, and competitive mentality and to promote sportsmanship in a safe, healthy, and fun-loving environment.

The first season of MPL in 2015 saw the Directorate of School Education Football Club (DSEFC) winning the title. The league started in August 2015 and ended in October. MFA also conducts another tournament which happens during the latter part of the year known as the Lobenkokba Memorial Morning Champions Cup (named after co-founder, Late Lobenkokba Jamir).

“With no sponsors, MPL is entirely run from the registration fees and monthly contributions from the respective teams in the league. Without manpower, it is managed by voluntary work and contribution from the individual players.

As it follows the norms of international leagues, each game is played and managed as professionally as possible, with qualified officials and statisticians.

“Each player’s profile is administered and updated after every match. Though MPL is mostly looked after and managed by the MFA, it is the dedication and work put in by all the players that is bearing its fruit now,” it added.