18th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy kicks off

Kohima, Sep. 26 (EMN): The 18th edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy, arguably the biggest annual football tournament in Nagaland, got underway today on the theme ‘Goal for Peace’ at Local Ground (Khuochiezie) Kohima. Altogether 51 teams from across the state, including four from neighbouring Manipur state, are in the run for the title this year.
The tournament is organised annually by the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) as a tribute to late Vikhozo Yhoshü of Kigwema village and late Kekuojalie Sachü of Kohima village, who fell victim to an indiscriminate firing by the state police forces on March 20 in 1986 while participating in a peaceful protest in Kohima town called by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) to rally against the state government’s decision on the induction of IPS (Indian Police Service) cadres in Nagaland and the extension of the Disturbed Area Belt from 5 km to 20 km along the Indo-Myanmar, the then Burma, border.
“To reiterate the determination and the commitment to defend, to protect and to uphold the rights, the freedom and the dignity of the Nagas…. It was with the conviction that human values reign supreme and that, peace and social harmony serve as a basis for all progression, this NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy was introduced in the late 1980s,” recalled former president of ASU, Medo Yhokha as he presided over the inaugural function of the championship here this afternoon.
Minister for Roads & Bridges, Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, who graced the function as the chief guest, emphasized the need for Naga sportspersons to give their time, dedication and devotion to the game that they love. He expressed dismay that many players start to practice or train for barely two or three weeks just to join a tournament, and stop practicing the moment they lose or when the tournament gets over.
“We will not go anywhere, we will not go far if we play this way,” Kire maintained.
Underscoring the significance of starting early in life, the minister expressed pride that two young Naga boys were recently selected to undergo training for under-13 football and they were currently travelling to Aizawl (Mizoram) for further selection. For any field or discipline, he said, the youth must be encouraged at a tender age so that they can learn to master the art.
He exhorted the student audience not to try to be a ‘Jack of all trades’, but that they should try to improve upon the certain discipline that they are good at or are interested in, and try to master it.
Also speaking about the importance of displaying a true spirit of sportsmanship, he wished the players of the tournament to exhibit their best skills, and pray that they will not cause harm to any player and also pray for their opponents and to let the best team win as they huddle to say their prayers before a match.
The minister also made a fervent request to the spectators to uphold civic sense and not to throw around papers and wrappers randomly at the venue, which is a usual sight at events such as this.
While lauding ASU for diligently organizing the tournament, Kire expressed happiness over the progress of the tournament over the years and hoped that it would grow from strength to strength. He also expressed hope to see the young players of the tournament today, representing different clubs in the country in future.
Delivering a brief solidarity message on the occasion, NSF president Kesosul Christopher Ltu paid tributes to the student martyrs and called upon all to reaffirm themselves to dedicate to the cause and interest of the Naga people and the students in particular.
Organizing committee convener, Kezhazer Angami informed that the champions of this year will be awarded with a cash prize of Rs.1,60,000 while the runner-up will receive Rs.1,00,000, the third and fourth place winners will get Rs.50,000 and Rs.30,000 respectively while the losing quarter finalists will receive Rs. 10,000 each.
Four outstanding individual players will be awarded with Rs.10,000 each, Rs.10,000 will be given away as Fair-play award, and the Player of the Tournament will win a two-wheeler, he added. He also informed that the Kohima District Football Referees Association is conducting and officiating the matches of the tournament. Throughout the tournament, specially abled persons and senior citizens will be given free-entry and the left-wing of the rostrum at the venue is being reserved for them, while college students will be given 50 percent concession and students in school uniform will be given free entry after school hours.
Before the inaugural match kicked off, hundreds of students from different institutions along with other spectators present at the venue stood on their feet and observed a minute of silence as a mark of honour and remembrance of the two student martyrs of 1986. The tournament will continue till October 21.