Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, JULY 16
Season Futsal Championship got underway today at D. Khel Ground, Seikhazou, Kohima village.
A total of 28 teams including the I.G. Girls team are participating in the three-day tournament being organized by the Rüziezou Colony Youth.
The inaugural function was graced by Mhalezolie Kire, editor Capi and president of Dapfhütsumia Youth Organisation as the chief guest.
In his address, Kire advised the players on the importance of ‘choosing the right sports discipline’.
“It is important for us (Nagas) to choose games which are applicable to our physical structure,” he said while he urged the Naga sportspersons to choose their discipline by understanding their physique.
He reiterated that we (Nagas) should choose games which we can compete at the national and international level. He reminded the players stating that “How hard we try or struggle to achieve, we may fall short of target if our physical structure do not favour us to compete in that particular sports discipline.”Apart from games and sports, Kire also challenged the youth members of their responsibility to curb the anti social elements which he observed to be on the rise.
“Activities which involves youth are very important,” he said and advised the youth to focus on areas which they should continue to involve to maintain peace and harmony in the society.
He also lauded the Rüziezou Colony Youth for organizing the tournament, while he urged them to keep going with same zeal and spirit as an organization. He encouraged them saying that they are moving in the right direction.
The tournament kicked off with the first match played between Nourhe Kro-u, Kiruphema against Veteran FC, wherein the former beat the veterans by 2-0.
The journey of the IG Girls team, the only women team in the tournament, was also cut short as they were beaten convincingly by Turaco KSC by 4-0.
The champions of the tournament will be rewarded with Rs 30,000, while the runners-up will receive Rs 15,000. As for the individual awards, the highest scorer and the best goalkeeper will be given Rs 2500 each.
The pre-quarter and quarter final matches would be played tomorrow, while both the semifinals and the final would be held on July 18. The final match is scheduled at 3 pm on Saturday.
