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KOHIMA — Riding on Rhitso Mero’s haul, defending champions New Market FC drubbed 14 FC 9-0 in the first match of the 23rd NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy, which kicked off on Monday evening at Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS) in Kohima.
The mercurial striker, who was awarded the man of the match, opened the account for his team in the eight minute and went on to pump four more goals in the 22nd, 26th, 56th and 64th minutes.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]His teammates Petevizo scored in the 53rd minute, Bapenyimjong in 57th, Khiuwangbo in 76th and Chinyo M in the 79th minute, to seal the fate of the rival team.
Altogether, 34 teams are vying for the championship, held in honour late Kekuojalie Sachii and late Vikhozo Yhoshii, which will go on till October 14.
The tournament is hosted by Angami Students’ Union (ASU) on the theme ‘Goal for peace.’
Advisor of Youth Resources and Sports, S Keoshu Yimkhiung, the inaugural guest of the opening ceremony, in his address, encouraged the youth to give more importance to games and sports, as the “system cannot incorporate everyone in the Government sector”.
The advisor said sports are a powerful medium that can unite communities and foster camaraderie and discipline among players.
Viewing that Nagas, irrespective of age, are all football lovers and good at it also, Keoshu lamented that due to the lack of consistency and dedication, Nagas are not utilising their talents.
The advisor observed that Nagas also tend to blame the lack of modern infrastructure and facilities. However, he reminded that Dr. T Ao had led the national football team in the international platform even before Nagaland attained statehood. During Ao’s days, there were no infrastructure facilities, like today, he said.
It is very unfortunate to know that, when his (Dr T Ao) era ended, even after about 75 years, no one has come up to fill the vacuum created by T Ao, the advisor said.
While admitting that the state is still “having a deficit in the field of sports,” Yimkhiung however assured that under the leadership of Chief Minister Niephiu Rio, sports infrastructure are looming up in all corner of the state.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]He also maintained that the NSF Trophy is not just a football tournament or a competition but an event to bring all Nagas from near and far, “to promote peace and unity through sports and to feel the oneness of all.”
President of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Medovi Rhi, in his solidarity speech, paid homage to the martyrs and also acknowledged ASU for hosting the tournament.
President of ASU, Khriesamhalie David Mere, and convenor of organising committee, Mhasimhalie Mhathew Yhome, delivered the presidential address and keynote address, respectively.
The oath was administered by Metebo-o Sote, secretary of Games and Sports, ASU.
The total prize money for the tournament is INR 7,00,000.
Tuesday match fixture
1. Mima FC vs. Youngsters (11:30 a.m.)
2. Asüfü Football Academy vs. Samaritan FC (1:30 p.m.)
Also read: Nagaland Futsal Championship from October 17