Nagaland: Frolic Cup underway at Medziphema

Dimapur, March 26 (EMN): The 7th edition of Frolic Cup football tournament was kicked-off by Zhaleo Rio, advisor, Sericulture, Excise and Minority Affairs at local ground, Medziphema on Saturday.

In his speech, Rio lauded the unflinching effort of Frolic Club (FC) towards the upliftment of society and encouraged people to support them. He advised the players to inculcate strict discipline and adhere to the required principles of sportsmanship in order to achieve accolades and be an eminent sportsman in their concerned field, a press release informed.

Rio further opined that sportspersons should, apart from resolute will to excel, be prepared to undergo rigorous training  and added that “the state government is  always responsive to dedicated persons for securing necessary seats or other aids from sports agencies etc."

Rio mooted that "leaders, common people and society is equally responsible for the uplift of young and promising sport aficionados", while wishing the best to all participants, Rio exhorted them to display their skills diligently, which can go a long way in building careers.

Earlier, the inaugural ceremony was compered by Bendangsenla Lkr and Vimezhükho Chaya, while Pastor Kiyezhe Sumi, Sumi Baptist Church, Medziphema town invoked blessings and Mhasilevi Kuotsu, president of FC, Medziphema, delivered the presidential note.

Vetolu Rhakho presented a special number, while Kamkhogin Thomsong, games and sports secretary of FC, administered the oath to the teams.

In the opening match, Patkai Christian College (PCC) emerged as the winner through a tie-breaker as the match at regulation time ended 1-1. The first goal for Shaktiman FC came from Nehgoulen in the 28th minute, however, the lead was levelled when the Patkain came back with a goal from Robin in the 51st minute. The match proceeded to a tie-breaker with PCC emerging as the winner with a score line of 4-2.

In the afternoon match,  Tribal United Dimapur (TUD) dominated Rising Boys FC with superior game control. The goal scorers for TUD were Apu (7th and 45th min.), M Akum (67th and 69th min.) and I Wati (17th min.) with a final score of 5-0.

Paohao Memorial FC (PMFC) took on Falcon United in the evening match and emerged victorious with the score line 2-1. In the close contested match, the first goal in the 24th second proved to be the game changer. Goal scorer for PMFC was Ratobe at 24 seconds and 23 minute and the solitary goal for United Falcon Club came through Nourhielhoulie at 24 minutes.