Kohima, Oct. 21 (EMN): Barak FC, Peren defeated defending champions Nagaland Police (Red) 2-1 in the final to emerge as the champions of the 18th edition of the NSF Martyr’s Memorial Trophy on Saturday. With the win, Barak has now lifted the coveted trophy for the third year.
The annual tournament is organised by Angami Students Union in memory of Lt. Kekuojalie Sachü (Kohima Village) and Lt. Vikhozo Yhoshü (Kigwema Village) under the theme ‘Goal for Peace.’
Playing in front of a full-capacity Khuochiezie ground on a clumsy weather, the first half saw two goals from Khweteli Thopi and Kevi Jimo Sumi from Barak side. Ninja Golmei of Nagaland Police scored a spectacular goal in the second half but it was not enough for the team as they failed to defend the title.
During the match, Barak started the match brightly and Thopi scored a stunner in the 21st minute to give the team the lead. Minutes later, Nagaland Police should have scored the equaliser but Akum’s shot hit the woodwork.
Nagaland Police were second best in the match as they failed to breach the defensive line and find the target.
Before the break, Kivi Jimo Sumi scored the second goal in the 45th minute for Barak to double the lead at the end of first half.
Despite the soggy ground and foggy weather, the final match didn’t disappoint the crowd as the match went more intense in the second half with Barak FC leading with two goals.
Barak defended the score in the second half and was jeered by some section of the crowd for wasting the time, the encounter was one-sided with Nagaland Police in better ball possession and counter attacks but they failed to hit the target.
Nagaland Police managed to pull a goal back in the 74th minute through Ninja Golmei, scoring a stunning long-range kick and send the crowd to jubilation. Stopper Nganga Zeliang then denied a goal for Nagaland Police as he managed to tap-out the ball in the last quarter of the match. Hard luck for Police team as Barak team holds on till the final whistle to win the match.
With the victory, the champions Barak FC lifted the trophy and also won a cash award of Rs 1.6 lakh, while the runners-up Nagaland Police (Red) received Rs 1 lakh along with a trophy and citations.
The third and fourth places were bagged by Forerunners FC and Tangkhul Students Union Manipur. They both received a cash award of Rs 50,000 and Rs 30,000 respectively.
51 teams from across the state, including four from neighboring Manipur state participated in this year’s tournament.
Therie emphasis on excellence
Gracing the valedictory programme of the 18th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2017 this afternoon as the guest of honour, K Therie, president Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee said one has to be fit, healthy and in top as sports requires skill and strategy, intellectual input and the very best effort.
Stressing on the importance of sports, Therie opined that sports is loved by all walks of life, race and class of people, which unites the hearts and minds of the people.
Those nations that enjoy sports and devote their time in it, Therie noted that they have peace and understanding. Observing that the youths of the state have a pool of talents in games sports and are second to none, he at the same time lamented the pathetic conditions of the infrastructures especially the muddy ground. In this regard, he asserted that the government needs to invest in our talents and provides atleast synthetic grass playgrounds.
He also stated on the need for infrastructures like sports schools, acoustic theatres and training centres adding that the youths can do it given an opportunity.
Individual awards
Best keeper – Nganga Zeliang of Barak FC
Best defender – Salu Kulimbe of Barak FC
Best midfielder – Pirei Shokwungnao of Tankhul Student’s Union, Manipur
Highest scorer – Kezhose Mathew of Forerunners 4th NAP Thizama
Player of the tournament – Kekhrieletuo Tsira of Nagaland Police
Fair play award – K.V.N.S
