KOHIMA— Khelo India State Centre for Excellence (KISCE) Kohima, drubbed Football Association Phek District (FAPD) 5-0 in the opening match of the First Nagaland Open Women Football League-cum-knockout, which got underway here at Indira Gandhi Stadium, on Monday.
The first goal of the league came through the boots of Mhasekhonuo in the 10th minute while her teammate Chimmushe chipped in another in the 34th minute. Neke Konyak created another record for her team by scoring the first hat-trick of the tournament which came in the 55th, 61st and 66th minutes.
In the second match, Peren District Women Football Club (PDWFC) outclassed Northern Angami Youth and Sports Association -C (NAYSA-C) 5-2. The goals for PDW FC came through the boots of Ruth, Krungi (who scored the second and fourth goals), Shangki and Ahoy.
For NAYSA-C, Vizotunuo scored both the goals.
A total of five teams--Football Association Phek District (Team A), Khelo India State Centre for Excellence, Kohima (Team B), Peren District Women FC (Team C), Northern Angami Youth and Sports Association-C (Team D), and Hilly Girls FC (Team E), are competing in the league which will culminate on July 1.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]The league is organised by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports with an aim to encourage women from Nagaland to participate in sports.
Earlier, Advisor for Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu Kense, declared open the football league. Addressing the young players, she said that sports is a billion-dollar industry and urged them to take sports as a career in a serious manner.
Saying that Manipur is already on the nation's map because of sports, she hoped the new leadership in the department will take the state forward in sports. Encouraging the players to make sure they make a career for themselves, she cautioned them about settling for comfort.
The advisor also spoke about the importance of sports in life and urged them to build up sports qualities in them. Sports teach leadership skills, teamwork, and perseverance. It also teaches a person to stay focused, she said. She further urged them to have goals in life and work towards achieving it.
Director of YRS, Kethosituo Sekhose, said the main objective of organising the league was to encourage women's participation in the sports industry and for them to make a name for themselves. He also informed that the department is looking forward to skilling sportspersons or providing them with alternative skilling so that once their sports time gets over, they will be able to depend on their skills for livelihood.
President, Nagaland Football Association, Neibou Sekhose said that the NFA has plan to train district trainers and coach educators for every school in the state to reach out the two lakh learners (students) by 2026. He also informed that the first edition of the Women Inter-District Football Championship will be held in the month of October in Kohima.
Two matches will be played every day with free entry for all.
Tuesday's Matches