The 11th Morning Premier League began at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on February 9 with 10 teams participating in the months-long tournament.
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KOHIMA — The 11th edition of the Morning Premier League (MPL), initiated by the Morning Football Association (MFA) to promote health and friendship, got underway at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on Monday.
It was informed that a total of 10 teams, including Morung United, Merhulietsa FC, Mustang FC, Eagle FC, Vanguard Old Boys, Gethemgo, Unity FC, All Blacks, Nyibon FC, and Morning Football Club, will be participating in the league.
During the opening ceremony of MPL 2026, MFA president Burakum recalled that the MPL started in 2015, founded by like-minded part-time footballers. He stated that it is a unique league where players aged 35 years and above participate in the months-long league from 7 am to 9 am.
The league will continue till May 2026. He also maintained that the league is a self-funded tournament where they all play for health and friendship.
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Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose, encouraged the players by saying that they are in the "right age to bring up the society" and reminded them that it is their duty.
He cited that organising a league or tournament is difficult, as it requires manpower and money, and appreciated the MFA. He mentioned that the state has also tried to organise league-based tournaments, but they fade away with years, and thus wished that the MFA would take more initiative to promote sports in the state.
Commandant of 45 Assam Rifles, Krishna Mishra, also expressed gratitude to the MFA for integrating them in this initiative. He opined that the players of MPL are the bridge between the youngsters and elders. He also addressed that this is the time they must play with team spirit, as youngsters are looking up to them.
The first match was played between the defending champions Vanguard FC Old Boys and Gethemgo.