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KOHIMA — Morung United successfully defended their Morning Premier League (MPL) champion title on Sunday for the second consecutive time, claiming the trophy and medals. The league lasted four months and took place at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima.
Organised by the Morning Football Association, the eighth edition of the MPL began on June 25.
Themed "health and friendship," this year's edition featured ten teams competing for the title. The teams included Morning FC, Merhulietsa FC, Kohima Police, Unity FC, Eagle FC, Mustang FC, Gethemgo FC, All Blacks, Vanguard FC Old Boys, and Morung United.
In the individual award category, Ben from Unity FC received the golden glove for maintaining five clean sheets. Villa of Eagle FC was awarded the golden boot for scoring a total of 27 goals this season. The player of the season title went to Asezo of Unity FC for scoring nine goals, providing 16 assists, and achieving 100% attendance.
Senior NPF party leader and legislator Kuzholuzo Nienu, Miss Nagaland 2023 first runner-up Vimgha Sheqi, and Lt. Col. Puneet Sharma, 2nd in command of the 13th Assam Rifles, attended the closing ceremony and presented trophies and medals to the winners.
In his address, Nienu praised the successful conduct of the MPL 2024 and expressed hope that it would continue in the years to come.
He urged the organisers to encourage younger individuals to pursue football professionally. Nienu remarked that Nagas often lack consistency, which is a crucial trait for any good sportsperson. He emphasised that the time has come for Nagas to take sports discipline seriously and to adopt a consistent approach.
Earlier, Sentiyanger, the convenor of the MPL 2024 managing committee, provided an overview of the MPL 2024.