Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, April 18 (EMN): The 22nd edition of the Dr. T Ao inter-district football championship coinciding with the fifty-year celebration of Nagaland Football Association (NFA) kicked off in a grand opening ceremony at Imkongmeren Sports complex Mokokchung on Monday evening.
G Kaito Aye, minister of Agriculture and Cooperation was the chief guest, while Zale Neikha, MLA and advisor for Youth Resources and Sports was the special guest of the function, which was attended by ministers Tongpang Ozukum and Metsubo Jamir along with other officials.
Aye said that Dr. T Ao demonstrated not only his talents and skills, but also determination, discipline, and devotion. He urged the participants and spectators to promote brotherhood among Nagas by taking advantage of the platforms provided, while stressing that "unity of young Nagas is crucial at this juncture".
He also said that the Nagas are talented, exceptionally gifted in arts, music and sports and informed that the government is giving utmost priority to develop the sports sector and creating opportunities and platforms for the athletes.
He exuded hope that Nagaland will produce exceptional athletes in other fields too like Dr. T Ao.
Special guest, Neikha informed that football has paved the way in uniting people and requested every football association in Nagaland to conduct proper and timely selection, engage players all year long and master the players in their respective position.
Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) president, Meyisanger Lemtur welcomed everyone, including the 16 teams, while NFA president, Neibou Sekhose extended golden jubilee greetings in his presidential speech.
The formal inauguration programme was followed by a live concert from renowned artists in Nagaland.
The tourney is organised by the NFA and hosted by MDFA.
Peren District Football Association (PDFA) organised a see-off programme-cum-unveiling of the jersey at Jalukie Astro turf ground on April 16, an update informed.
Speaking at the programme, PDFA advisor, Masangum Hiekha, who is also the president of Jalukie Valley Youth Organisation (JVYO), glorified God for the successful completion of the training camp without any misfortune and health issues.
He said that PDFA players are “star players”, who have played in the state-level as well as national-level and encouraged the players to seek God first.
Hiekha also disclosed the assurance of the chief minister to renovate the present Astro turf ground at Jalukie Town to an international standard size Astro turf ground.
During the programme, two sets of jerseys were officially unveiled by the PDFA advisor and Rev. Dr. Mongzeung Mpom.
Meanwhile, Football Association Tseminyu District (FATD) held a jersey and anthem launch event at CRBC Conference Hall, Zunpha on April 17.
Asao Seb (secretary, FATD) gave a brief introduction of FATD, while Hethanglo Kath (technical head, FATD) introduced the FATD players.
The FATD anthem was officially adopted followed by the launch of FATD jersey by Chawan Anal, branch manager, SBI Tseminyu. He advised the players to stay motivated and to refrain from any kinds of intoxicants.
The programme ended with Rev. Hini Tep (mission secretary, CRBC) blessing the players and their related events at Dr. T Ao tournament.